KAMPALA – Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition leader, and Hajj Obeid Lutale, a businessman and politician, will have to wait until April 11, 2025, to learn the fate of their bail application. Despite presenting sureties, the judge has reserved the ruling, meaning the two will be taken back into custody until the decision is made.
The duo was arrested in connection with the ongoing investigations into the alleged subversive activities in the country. According to the police, Besigye and Lutale were part of a group of individuals who were planning to destabilize the government.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, has been a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s government. He has been arrested multiple times in the past for his involvement in opposition activities.
Lutale, on the other hand, is a businessman and politician who has been linked to the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party. He has been accused of financing opposition activities and providing logistical support to opposition politicians.
The arrests of Besigye and Lutale were widely condemned by opposition leaders and human rights activists, who accused the government of using intimidation tactics to silence its critics.
The sureties presented for Dr. Besigye include four members of parliament: Hon. Ssemuju Nganda (Kiira Municipality), Hon. Harlod Muhindo (Bukonjo East), Hon. Mwijukye Francis (Buhweju), and Hon. Nicholas Kamara (Kabale Municipality).
Hajj Obeid’s sureties, on the other hand, are his wife, Hajjat Nagitta Hallimah Lutale, his brother, Counsel Ssewangga Hamuza, and his daughter, Miss Nanfuka Zuula.
Senior counsel Erias Lukwago pleaded with the judge to consider the sureties substantial and grant the accused persons bail. However, the judge’s decision to reserve the ruling means Dr. Besigye and Hajj Obeid will have to endure another month in custody.
The delay in the bail ruling has sparked concerns among opposition leaders and human rights activists, who fear that the government may be using the judiciary to persecute its critics.
As the wait continues, the opposition and human rights groups are calling for the immediate release of Besigye and Lutale, arguing that their detention is unlawful and politically motivated.
