- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
A Ugandan court has refused to grant bail to veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who has been in prison for close to nine months on treason charges. The decision was made by Judge Emmanuel Baguma, who ruled that Besigye did not yet qualify for automatic bail under the country’s laws. The law states that a suspect must be granted bail if they have spent more than 180 days in detention without trial, but the judge determined that this period only began when Besigye was officially remanded to a civilian court on February 21. This means he still falls 12 days short of the requirement. Besigye, 68, has been a key opposition figure for decades, challenging President Yoweri Museveni in four separate presidential elections. Once an ally and personal physician to Museveni, he has since become one of his strongest critics. He was arrested in November last year after being forcefully returned from Kenya and initially charged in a military tribunal before his case was transferred to a civilian court. Besigye has denied all charges, and his legal team argued that he should be freed on bail, citing the length of his detention without trial. The judge’s decision means he will remain in custody.
See also: (In Ghana) Ibrahim Mahama Sponsors Forensic Transfer of Helicopter Crash Victims to South Africa
The bail denial has sparked criticism from rights groups and opposition figures, who say the case highlights an escalating crackdown on government critics ahead of Uganda’s national elections next year. President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled since 1986 and is now 80 years old, is seeking re-election. Critics accuse his government of using legal charges to silence political opponents, a claim the authorities reject. Government officials insist that all detained individuals have been arrested and charged for genuine criminal offenses, not for their political views. Prominent opposition leader Bobi Wine joined other critics in condemning Besigye’s continued detention. They view it as part of a broader pattern of political repression. Besigye’s arrest in November followed accusations that he was involved in activities aimed at undermining the government, charges he says are politically motivated. His lawyers had hoped the court would apply the mandatory bail provision, which is designed to protect suspects from indefinite detention without trial. The ruling means Besigye will remain behind bars until at least the 12-day shortfall is completed, unless his legal team finds another route to secure his release. The case continues to draw national and international attention as Uganda prepares for a highly contested election season.
Comments
Post a Comment