The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Uganda’s leading opposition figure, Dr Kizza Besigye, remains in detention as concerns grow over his declining health and efforts by his family and lawyers to secure his release on bail.
Besigye has been held in Kampala since he was reportedly abducted and arrested in Kenya on November 16, 2024. He is facing treason charges alongside his aide, Hajji Obeid Lutale.
His lead lawyer, Erias Lukwago, was later arrested and charged with misprision of treason in connection with the high-profile case.
On Tuesday, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the eldest son of President Yoweri Museveni, said there was no prospect of Besigye or Lukwago being released on bail.
In a post on X, Muhoozi stated that the two would remain in custody and would be held accountable for what he described as their crimes.
Treason is classified as a capital offence in Uganda and can attract the death penalty. However, individuals facing such charges may apply for bail, subject to the discretion of the High Court.
Uganda’s Constitution allows suspects charged with capital offences to seek bail after spending 180 days on remand without being brought to trial.
Reaching the 180-day threshold, however, does not automatically result in release. Courts may also assess the seriousness of the charges, the possibility of the accused fleeing and whether proposed sureties are credible and independent.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, has repeatedly appealed for his release, pointing to his worsening health and the conditions under which he is being detained.
Byanyima has expressed a desire to take her husband to their home in Geneva for specialised medical treatment, insisting that the request is not an attempt to help him escape prosecution.
She has also assured authorities that Besigye would return to Uganda and continue with the legal proceedings after receiving treatment and recovering.
Muhoozi, however, rejected the proposal, arguing that Besigye could receive sufficient medical care within Uganda.
He also warned against claims that Besigye was not receiving adequate medical attention in the country.
Besigye has reportedly experienced several health problems while being held at Luzira Maximum Security Prison, including high fever, abdominal pain, dehydration and suspected bacterial infections.
His condition has reportedly deteriorated significantly, with the opposition leader losing substantial weight and becoming too weak to walk without assistance.
Concerns over his health intensified after he collapsed while appearing before court on July 29, raising further calls for urgent medical intervention.
