Kampala High Court rejected bail for opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye plus his assistant Hajji Obeid Lutale. Judge Rosette Comfort Kania worried they might mess with ongoing treason investigations. She acknowledged their constitutional rights but decided the serious charges outweighed those rights. The judge called treason Uganda's most serious crime. Both men face accusations alongside army officer Captain Denis Oola for allegedly planning to overthrow the government.
Prosecutors claim the accused plotted across multiple countries, including Switzerland, Greece, Kenya, and Uganda. They started in military court, but the Director of Public Prosecutions filed fresh charges after their Nairobi arrest. The Supreme Court later ruled civilians couldn't face military courts. Despite having fixed homes and good sureties, the judge feared they would tamper with international investigations.
Besigye brought political allies as sureties, including several members of parliament. Lutale presented his wife, brother, and daughter. Prosecutors argued these supporters lacked financial influence or proof they could pay bonds. The state warned about national security risks if the accused went free. The judge agreed that these international crimes created flight risks.
The accused have spent over 140 days locked up in Luzira prison since November 16th. Supporters cried when hearing the ruling outside court. Besigye reminded everyone he always returned for previous court cases. Lutale promised he would follow any court rules if released. Both promises failed to convince the judge, who kept them behind bars.
Prosecutors claim the accused plotted across multiple countries, including Switzerland, Greece, Kenya, and Uganda. They started in military court, but the Director of Public Prosecutions filed fresh charges after their Nairobi arrest. The Supreme Court later ruled civilians couldn't face military courts. Despite having fixed homes and good sureties, the judge feared they would tamper with international investigations.
Besigye brought political allies as sureties, including several members of parliament. Lutale presented his wife, brother, and daughter. Prosecutors argued these supporters lacked financial influence or proof they could pay bonds. The state warned about national security risks if the accused went free. The judge agreed that these international crimes created flight risks.
The accused have spent over 140 days locked up in Luzira prison since November 16th. Supporters cried when hearing the ruling outside court. Besigye reminded everyone he always returned for previous court cases. Lutale promised he would follow any court rules if released. Both promises failed to convince the judge, who kept them behind bars.
