Former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye is expected to learn his fate today after spending 266 days in detention without trial.
Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, were arrested on November 16, 2024, at Riverside Apartments in Nairobi, Kenya. The two were apprehended ahead of a book launch by Martha Karua, the former Vice President of Kenya.
On Wednesday, the High Court deferred its ruling on a mandatory bail application filed by Dr. Besigye, Hajji Lutale, and Capt. Denis Oola. The trio had earlier petitioned the High Court in June, challenging the Nakawa Magistrates Court’s decision to deny them bail, despite having spent over six months on remand.
They are currently facing treason charges following the dissolution of the General Court Martial.
During the latest hearing, Justice Emmanuel Baguma listened to submissions from both the prosecution and the defense, which was led by Martha Karua and Erias Lukwago.
Dr. Besigye’s sureties included Dr. Thaddeus Nicholas Kamara, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, former Leader of 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 charges against the accused are grave and capital in nature, carrying severe penalties upon conviction. He also described the bail application as premature, citing ongoing investigations and the seriousness of the allegations.
Justice Baguma postponed the ruling and announced that a decision on the bail application would be delivered via email today, Friday, August 8, 2025.
According to the charge sheet, the accused were allegedly abducted in Nairobi in 2024 shortly after attending the book launch hosted by Karua. Prosecutors allege that Dr. Besigye, Lutale, and Capt. Oola traveled to several countries including Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya where they participated in meetings purportedly aimed at overthrowing the Ugandan government.
These meetings allegedly involved both in-person and virtual engagements with individuals in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala.
Further, the prosecution claims that between 2023 and November 2024, the accused failed to report knowledge of an impending act of treason to any relevant authority, such as a minister, magistrate, administrative officer, or police officer, as required by law.
