The High Court in Kampala, Uganda, has denied bail to veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide Hajj Obeid Lutale, citing the grave nature of the charges against them and concerns that their influence could interfere with ongoing investigations.

While the court found the sureties presented by Dr. Besigye and Hajj Lutale to be substantial and acknowledged that they had met the necessary bail requirements, presiding judge Rosette Comfort Kania declined to grant their release. The ruling, delivered by registrar Ssalamu Ngoobi, emphasized the severity of the accusations and the complexity of the ongoing investigation.

Today marks 147 days since the duo was incarcerated following their arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, in November last year

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‘’The offences are alleged to have been committed in various locations in Uganda and other countries, requiring more time and resources to conclude investigations than is usually the case in offences alleged to have been committed only in Uganda,“ ruled Justice Kania, whose court decision was read out by registrar Ssalmu Ngoobi

Adding that: “Because the investigations are ongoing the interest of Justice at this point dictate that the application for bail is denied on this occasion because there is the likelihood that the applicants if released on bail while investigations  are ongoing  owing to the grave nature of the offence may fall prey to the temptation to interfere with the investigations

The four-time presidential candidate and his aide are facing treason charges, which carry a maximum sentence of death

According to the prosecution, Dr Besigye, Hajj Lutale, Capt Denis Oola, and others still at large allegedly plotted to overthrow the government by force of arms between 2023 and November 2024.  The alleged plot spans multiple countries, including Geneva (Switzerland), Athens (Greece), Nairobi (Kenya), and Kampala City