State Opposes Giving Bail to Besigye Over Risk of Fleeing the Country

The Ugandan government has asked the High Court in Kampala to reject a bail request from well-known opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. Officials say he might try to escape the country if released.

Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, are facing serious treason charges. They had applied for bail last month at the Chief Magistrates Court in Nakawa.

The government believes that the charges are very serious and involve the public’s interest and national safety. Because of this, they argue that giving them bail would be a bad decision.

Detective Inspector of Police Wilbern Batura Tworekirwe gave a written statement saying Besigye could escape since the case involves activities outside the country. He also reminded the court that the punishment for treason can be death.

According to the state, Besigye, Captain Oola, and others who are not yet arrested, planned to remove the Ugandan government between 2023 and November 2024. They also claim the group went to different countries like Switzerland, Kenya, and Greece to hold meetings about this alleged plan.

Besigye denies all the accusations. He says, “I am a law-abiding citizen,” and adds that even though he has been charged many times, he has never been found guilty. He believes the state is targeting him unfairly.

Still, the prosecution says that Besigye has a history of not following the law and that he often challenges court orders. They even mentioned that in 2017, he said, “he would never return to court,” which they use to show that he does not respect the law.

The government is also against giving bail to Besigye’s co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale. They claim he doesn’t qualify based on legal conditions.

In the end, the state has asked the court to throw out the bail request, saying, “it is in the interest of justice” to keep both accused in prison while the case continues.