The High Court in Kampala has denied bail to veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide Hajj Obeid Lutale, who are facing treason charges stemming from their arrest late last year.
The court ruling, delivered earlier today, means the two will remain on remand at Luzira Prison, where they have been held since November. Dr. Besigye, a prominent opposition figure and four-time presidential candidate, and Lutale were arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, under unclear circumstances and later extradited to Uganda.
Prosecution alleges that the duo was involved in clandestine activities intended to overthrow the government, although specifics of the case remain under seal.
During the bail hearing, their legal team argued that the accused had strong ties to the country and posed no flight risk, citing Dr. Besigye’s established political history and Lutale’s family and business connections.
However, Justice Lydia Mugambe ruled that the charges were grave and the state had demonstrated credible concerns about potential interference with investigations. “Given the seriousness of the offense and the circumstances surrounding their arrest, court finds it prudent to deny bail at this stage,” she said.