The High Court in Kampala has scheduled tomorrow ,February 19, 2025 for the hearing of the bail application of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and activist Samuel Lutale, who are currently in detention over charges related to unlawful assembly.
According to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs,Nobert Mao,the hearing that had been set to take place on February 25, 2025 has been rescheduled to tomorrow.
“Madam Speaker by the time we reached the court,the lawyers of Col. Kiiza Besigye had been engaging with the judiciary and they had agreed to reschedule the matter which had been fixed for Tuesday to Tomorrow.”
“During that sitting the court will give the appropriate directions and they (Court Martial) will abide by the decree.”
“The court( Military Court) had insisted that they needed the decree in order to appear not overrule the constitutional court”,said Mao,while appearing before parliament.
Besigye, a veteran politician and four-time presidential candidate, was arrested alongside Lutale during a protest against the high cost of living last week.
Their legal team has since filed an application seeking their immediate release on bail, citing constitutional rights and health concerns.
“The continued detention of our clients is unjustified, and we expect the court to consider their application fairly,” said their lawyer, Erias Lukwago.
Prosecution, however, insists that the duo should remain in custody, arguing that their release could incite further demonstrations.
Supporters of Besigye and Lutale have vowed to stage peaceful protests if the court denies them bail, with many calling for an end to what they describe as political persecution.
The upcoming court ruling is expected to draw significant public and political attention, as Uganda continues to grapple with growing discontent over economic hardships and governance issues.
Prior to the government’s sudden turn,the Commonwealth called on Uganda’s leadership to release Kiiza Besigye,on grounds that his detention undermines democracy and human rights.