Lawyers filed a new bail request for opposition leader Dr. Kiiza Besigye and his associate Hajj Obeid Lutale. This comes after their first application failed on April 11. The High Court rejected them because of serious treason charges against both men. Judge Comfort Kania worried their release might hurt ongoing police work.
Defense attorneys from Lukwago and Company Advocates presented fresh arguments this time. They claim their clients pose no threat to investigations. The lawyers said both men would show up for court dates as required. They pointed out that Besigye and Lutale have respected legal processes before.
Besigye described himself as a former presidential candidate who ran in four elections between 2001 and 2016. He served as a colonel in the Ugandan military during the 1981-1986 Bush war and held government positions as State Minister for Internal Affairs and National Political Commissar.
Security forces arrested both men on November 16, 2024, in Kenya. They had traveled there for a book launch event hosted by former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua. Officials charged them with illegal weapons possession and treachery. The Supreme Court ruled on January 31 that military courts cannot try civilians like Besigye and Lutale.
Defense attorneys from Lukwago and Company Advocates presented fresh arguments this time. They claim their clients pose no threat to investigations. The lawyers said both men would show up for court dates as required. They pointed out that Besigye and Lutale have respected legal processes before.
Besigye described himself as a former presidential candidate who ran in four elections between 2001 and 2016. He served as a colonel in the Ugandan military during the 1981-1986 Bush war and held government positions as State Minister for Internal Affairs and National Political Commissar.
Security forces arrested both men on November 16, 2024, in Kenya. They had traveled there for a book launch event hosted by former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua. Officials charged them with illegal weapons possession and treachery. The Supreme Court ruled on January 31 that military courts cannot try civilians like Besigye and Lutale.
