Jailed four-time presidential candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye, and his aide, Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, have raised eight grounds in which they seek to be released on bail.
The eight grounds are that on February 21, 2025, the duo were charged with treason at the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s court, the offences are bailable before the high court, they are responsible citizens of Uganda who have permanent places of abode at Buyinja LC 1 Wampeewo Ward Kasangati Town Council Wakiso District and Rwakabengo A Rwakabengo Ward Southern Division Rukungiri Municipality in Rukungiri District for Besigye and Kisigula Village Cell Mutundwe Ward Gombolola Ssabagabo Makindye Wakiso District for Lutale.
Others are that they are not a threat to any investigative or other process and are willing to appear before court whenever needed, their antecedents demonstrate their respect for the law and for any bail processes they have benefited from, have not been committed to the High Court for trial and are willing to comply with all reasonable conditions set for their admittance to bail, they are of advanced age with Besigye being 68, while Lutale 65 and that it is fair and just that they admitted to bail and released accordingly.
Besigye’s legal team has highlighted his previous experiences with grave offenses, including rape, treason, and terrorism, where he was charged and bailed out, but the cases were eventually dismissed. The team argues that Besigye has always honored his bail conditions, demonstrating his commitment to the law.
The duo was arrested in November 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, on alleged treason offenses and initially charged in the General Court. However, the Supreme Court nullified their trial last month, banning the trial of civilians in military courts. Despite this, they remained in detention until last week when they were arraigned before the Nakawa court.
