Law
Besigye, Lutale Back in Court to Seek Bail in Treason Case
Four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, return to the High Court today for the hearing of their bail application in a high-profile treason case that has kept them in detention for over six months.
The duo is seeking release from Luzira Prison, where they have been held since February, pending trial on charges of treason and an alternative count of misprision of treason. They are jointly charged alongside Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer Capt. Denis Oola, attached to the armoured brigade.
In their February 27 bail application, Besigye, 68, and Lutale, 65, argued that their advanced age makes coping with prison conditions difficult. They also cited their status as responsible citizens with permanent residences in Wakiso District — in Buyinja LC1, Wampeewo Ward, Kasangati for Besigye, and in Mutundwe Ward, Gombolola Ssabagabo Makindye for Lutale.
The two assured court that they pose no threat to ongoing investigations, which have been completed, and pledged to attend trial whenever required.
From Nairobi to Luzira: The Arrest Timeline
Besigye and Lutale were arrested on November 16, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, where they had allegedly travelled to attend a book launch by Kenyan politician Martha Kara, who is now part of Besigye’s legal team.
They were subsequently returned to Uganda under disputed circumstances, detained at Makindye Military Barracks, and charged before the General Court Martial with offences related to security and illegal possession of firearms.
Due to jurisdictional limitations — as both are civilians — the case was transferred to the civilian courts, where they now face treason and misprision of treason charges before Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court.
The Treason Allegations
Prosecution alleges that between 2023 and November 2024, in locations including Geneva (Switzerland), Athens (Greece), Nairobi (Kenya), and Kampala (Uganda), Besigye, Lutale, Capt. Oola, and others at large conspired to overthrow the Government of Uganda by force of arms.
According to the charge sheet, they attended both physical and virtual meetings with various individuals to advance this alleged plot. The state further claims the group provided logistical support and facilitated the travel of several Ugandan citizens to Kisumu, Kenya, for training in military and intelligence-gathering techniques.
The indictment also alleges that they solicited military, financial, and other logistical assistance to carry out the overthrow.
For the misprision of treason charge, the state claims the accused knew of the planned treason but failed to promptly inform relevant authorities or take steps to prevent it.
What Next?
The bail application will be heard by the Criminal Division of the High Court, with a ruling expected later this month. If granted bail, Besigye and Lutale would be released under conditions set by the court as they await trial.
The case has attracted significant public and political attention, given Besigye’s long history of opposition to the current government and his multiple presidential bids since 2001.
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