Ugandan Court Denies Bail for Opposition Leader Besigye, Orders Immediate Plea in Treason Case
KAMPALA – In a ruling that has sparked claims of judicial unfairness, a Ugandan court has once again denied bail to opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide, Obeid Lutale, ordering their treason case to proceed immediately to plea-taking.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma of the High Court delivered the decision on Tuesday, dismissing all pending bail applications. He argued that it would be “unfair” to grant bail before the accused formally enter their pleas, citing repeated delays by the defense team in proceeding with the plea process.
“The court has noted a pattern of adjournments sought by the defense in this matter,” Justice Baguma stated. “It is only fair that the plea is taken first to ensure the trial progresses.”
The ruling took the defense team by surprise. Lead counsels, Senior Counsel Martha Karua from Kenya and Uganda’s Erias Lukwago, sharply criticized the decision, calling it an “ambush.” They contended they were not given prior notice that the court intended to conduct plea proceedings during the session dedicated to their bail application.
“We were here for a bail application, only to be informed that we must take a plea,” said Lukwago outside the courtroom. “This is a clear ambush and a denial of a fair hearing for our clients. Due process was not followed.”
Karua echoed the sentiment, stating, “The manner in which this has been conducted raises serious questions about the administration of justice in this matter.”
The treason charges against Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, and Lutale stem from their involvement in political activism and public assemblies critical of the government. The prosecution alleges their actions amount to treason, a charge the defense vehemently denies, characterizing it as politically motivated.
With bail now definitively denied, the case moves to the plea-taking stage. Legal observers note that a not-guilty plea would set the stage for a lengthy and highly scrutinized trial, while a guilty plea is considered highly unlikely.
The continued detention of the prominent opposition leader and the court’s latest ruling are expected to intensify political tensions in Uganda, drawing further attention from regional and international human rights groups who have frequently raised concerns about the state of political freedoms in the country.
The court is expected to set a date for the formal plea hearing in the coming days.
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