The court pushed back the bail hearing for Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya to April 11. Prosecutors told Judge Rosette Kania they needed extra time to read through all the papers from Besigye's lawyers. These two men have sat in Luzira prison for more than three months already. The judge ordered both sides to hand in their written arguments by March 31.
Prosecutors Richard Birivumbuka and Joseph Kyomuhendo asked for a delay because they face many cases next week at the International Crimes Court. They wanted two weeks extra time, but Judge Kania thought that was way too long. She told them to finish their work by next Wednesday instead. The court did allow Besigye's friends from parliament to stand as his guarantors if he gets bail.
Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Muhindo Tonny, Francis Mwijukye, and Nicholas Kamara promised the court they would make sure Besigye shows up for future hearings. Lutale brought his wife Halima Nagitta, brother Hamza Ssewankabo, and daughter Nanfuka Zura as his guarantors. The judge warned these people they might pay money or go to jail if either man runs away after getting bail.
Police locked up both men on November 16, 2024, claiming they tried to overthrow the government with help from Army Captain Dennis Oola. The government says they looked for guns and money during meetings held in Switzerland, Greece, Kenya, and Uganda. Besigye and Lutale say their jail time makes no sense because they've spent over 100 days behind bars without knowing when their trial might start.
Their lawyers point out that the Supreme Court already ruled the military courts can't try these men. At first, the army tried to put them on trial at Makindye Military Court. Later, regular prosecutors took the case after police caught them in Nairobi, Kenya. Their legal team also went to Nakawa court to fight against letting officials search their cell phones.
Prosecutors Richard Birivumbuka and Joseph Kyomuhendo asked for a delay because they face many cases next week at the International Crimes Court. They wanted two weeks extra time, but Judge Kania thought that was way too long. She told them to finish their work by next Wednesday instead. The court did allow Besigye's friends from parliament to stand as his guarantors if he gets bail.
Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Muhindo Tonny, Francis Mwijukye, and Nicholas Kamara promised the court they would make sure Besigye shows up for future hearings. Lutale brought his wife Halima Nagitta, brother Hamza Ssewankabo, and daughter Nanfuka Zura as his guarantors. The judge warned these people they might pay money or go to jail if either man runs away after getting bail.
Police locked up both men on November 16, 2024, claiming they tried to overthrow the government with help from Army Captain Dennis Oola. The government says they looked for guns and money during meetings held in Switzerland, Greece, Kenya, and Uganda. Besigye and Lutale say their jail time makes no sense because they've spent over 100 days behind bars without knowing when their trial might start.
Their lawyers point out that the Supreme Court already ruled the military courts can't try these men. At first, the army tried to put them on trial at Makindye Military Court. Later, regular prosecutors took the case after police caught them in Nairobi, Kenya. Their legal team also went to Nakawa court to fight against letting officials search their cell phones.
