Civil rights advocates demand immediate release as opposition leader remains incarcerated after 240 days

Kampala, Uganda — The High Court Judiciary has yet to set a date for the bail application of veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, sparking tension and frustration among their legal team and supporters.

Both Dr. Besigye and Lutale have now spent 240 days in remand, with no formal hearing scheduled to determine their bail status. Despite having filed two bail applications with the High Court Criminal Division in May, no responses or rulings have been communicated to their lawyers.

Erias Lukwago, lawyer for the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), expressed concern over what he described as a violation of legal rights. He stated, “Both Dr. Besigye and Lutale meet all the legal requirements for bail, yet the judiciary continues to delay their hearings.”

Lukwago revealed that the legal team has issued an ultimatum — one week — for the judiciary to issue a ruling, citing the constitutional guarantee of the right to a speedy and fair trial.

Adding to the distress, Lukwago mentioned that the legal efforts led by Martha Wangari Karua in Nairobi to address the alleged abduction of Dr. Besigye within Kenyan territory have unfortunately stagnated, with no progress made to date.

The prolonged detention raises critical questions ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general election, particularly whether Dr. Kizza Besigye, who is prominently positioned by his party as their presidential candidate, will be allowed to participate.

As the legal battle intensifies, many Ugandans and international observers are closely watching the judiciary’s next move, amid fears that continued detention could undermine the principles of justice and fair election procedures.