The High Court has deferred its ruling on the mandatory bail application for Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale, and Capt. Denis Oola.
In June, the trio petitioned the High Court after the Nakawa Magistrates Court declined to grant them mandatory bail, despite having spent over six months on remand. They are facing treason charges following the dissolution of the General Court Martial.
Earlier today, Justice Emmanuel Baguma heard submissions from both the prosecution and the defense led by Martha Karua and Erias Lukwago.
Dr. Besigye’s sureties included Dr. Thaddeus Nicholas Kamara, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda (MP for Kira Municipality), former Leader of the Opposition Wafula Oguttu, and Arnold Muhindo.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), represented by Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka, opposed the bail application. Birivumbuka argued that the accused are facing serious capital offenses that carry severe penalties upon conviction. He also asserted that the bail application was premature, citing ongoing investigations and the gravity of the charges.
Justice Baguma, however, deferred the ruling and stated that the decision on the bail application will be delivered via email on Friday, August 8, 2025.
According to the charge sheet, the accused were allegedly abducted in Nairobi last year after attending a book launch hosted by Kenyan opposition figure and lawyer Martha Karua.
Prosecutors claim that Besigye, Lutale, and their co-accused traveled to various countries — including Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya — where they allegedly participated in meetings aimed at plotting to overthrow the Ugandan government. These meetings reportedly involved both physical and virtual engagements with individuals in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala.
Additionally, the prosecution alleges that between 2023 and November 2024, the accused failed to report knowledge of an impending act of treason to authorities — such as a minister, magistrate, administrative officer, or police officer — as required by law.
