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Kizza Besigye stands in the dock at the courtroom where he was charged with inciting violence
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KAMPALA – A Ugandan court has denied bail to veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who has spent nearly nine months in detention on treason charges, sparking fresh concerns among government critics about an escalating crackdown ahead of next year’s national election.
On Friday, Justice Emmanuel Baguma ruled that the 180-day period before a defendant qualifies for mandatory bail only began on February 21, when Besigye was remanded by a civilian court. This means the opposition figure falls short by 12 days to meet the requirement for automatic release. Besigye’s lawyers had argued that he had already spent more than 180 days in custody without his trial commencing and should therefore be freed unconditionally.
The case has drawn criticism from rights groups and opposition politicians, including Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), who accuse President Yoweri Museveni’s government of using the justice system to sideline political rivals ahead of the 2026 polls, in which the 80-year-old leader is seeking re-election. The government, however, denies the allegations, insisting that those in detention face legitimate criminal charges.
Four-time Presidential Challenger
Once a close ally and personal physician to Museveni, Besigye has challenged him in four presidential elections, rejecting the results each time while citing widespread fraud and intimidation. He has not confirmed whether he will run in the upcoming race.
The 68-year-old opposition stalwart has been arrested multiple times over the years, including in 2022 on charges of inciting violence. In November last year, he was forcibly returned to Uganda from neighbouring Kenya and initially charged before a military tribunal. His case was later transferred to a civilian court. Besigye maintains his innocence, describing the charges as politically motivated.
Torch Media Africa
