A Ugandan judge has refused to grant bail to veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye, who has been in jail for nearly nine months on treason charges. Judge Emmanuel Baguma ruled on Friday that the 180-day maximum period before mandatory bail is granted only began when Besigye was remanded in the civilian court on February 21, which means he falls short by 12 days to meet the requirements to secure bail.
Besigye’s lawyers argued that he should be automatically released on bail because he has spent more than 180 days in jail without his trial starting, counting from his initial detention on November 20, 2024. However, the prosecution contended that the relevant period began only on February 21, 2025, when the Nakawa court assumed jurisdiction over the case, describing the charges there as “fresh charges.”
The case has raised concerns among government critics, including opposition leader Bobi Wine and rights groups, about a crackdown ahead of Uganda’s national election early next year in which President Yoweri Museveni, 80, is seeking re-election. The government denies targeting opposition figures and says all those who have been detained have committed crimes.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and retired army colonel, was abducted by Ugandan security agents in Nairobi on November 16, 2024, while attending a book launch at the invitation of Kenyan politician Martha Karua. He was subsequently transported back to Uganda overnight in disregard of legal procedures and held incommunicado at Makindye Military Barracks until November 20, when he was arraigned before the General Court Martial.
In his ruling, Justice Baguma agreed with the prosecution’s interpretation, ruling that each case must be decided based on its own facts and that the precedents cited by the defense were distinguishable. Without an official record from the General Court Martial, the court could not backdate the remand period to November 2024.
“It is in the interest of justice for both parties that the main case is heard expeditiously rather than entertaining repeated bail applications,” Justice Baguma said. The ruling means Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale, will remain in Luzira Prison as they await trial on charges that, if proven, carry the death penalty.
Besigye’s lawyer, Erias Lukwago, has slammed the state, accusing them of persecution disguised as prosecution. “This is not a trial, it is persecution disguised as prosecution,” Lukwago said. “The case was committed to the High Court on May 29, yet the accused are still detained with no progress. What is the endgame here?”
The case has sparked widespread concern about the state of democracy and political freedoms in Uganda, particularly with the 2026 elections on the horizon. Opposition voices are warning that continued detentions and judicial delays could undermine the credibility of the democratic process.