Uganda's High Court said no to bail for Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obedi Kamulegeya Lutale on Friday. Judge Rosette Comfort Kania kept them locked up because of serious treason charges. The court thinks the government has enough evidence for a trial. Officials believe letting them out might harm investigations and public safety.
Prosecutors claim these men plotted with others between 2003 and 2024 to overthrow Uganda's government using weapons. They allegedly made plans in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala. The state also accuses them of knowing about someone else's plan to commit treason without reporting it.
Justice Kania explained that freedom can be limited when national security needs protection. She mentioned that the case involves multiple countries with ongoing investigations. She worried the accused might interfere with the process because they have influence and money.
The defense team pointed out that both men have homes, clean records, good backers, and are older. They mentioned Besigye has high blood pressure as a medical reason for release. The judge rejected this argument because prison doctors could treat his condition.
Besigye supporters called him the ruling political since he often criticizes President Museveni. Government officials defend keeping him jailed as proof that courts work independently. The law says prisoners must receive bail after 180 days without trial, but these men haven't reached that time limit.
Prosecutors claim these men plotted with others between 2003 and 2024 to overthrow Uganda's government using weapons. They allegedly made plans in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala. The state also accuses them of knowing about someone else's plan to commit treason without reporting it.
Justice Kania explained that freedom can be limited when national security needs protection. She mentioned that the case involves multiple countries with ongoing investigations. She worried the accused might interfere with the process because they have influence and money.
The defense team pointed out that both men have homes, clean records, good backers, and are older. They mentioned Besigye has high blood pressure as a medical reason for release. The judge rejected this argument because prison doctors could treat his condition.
Besigye supporters called him the ruling political since he often criticizes President Museveni. Government officials defend keeping him jailed as proof that courts work independently. The law says prisoners must receive bail after 180 days without trial, but these men haven't reached that time limit.
