Opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, have been further remanded until April 11 after the prosecution told the court they were unprepared to proceed with the bail application hearing.
The duo, who have been incarcerated at Luzira prison for over three months, appeared before justice Rosette Kania Comfort of the High court’s criminal division on Friday. Justice Kania directed both the prosecution and defense teams to file their written submissions by March 31, so she could deliver her ruling on the scheduled date.
The bail hearing had been set for Friday, but the prosecution, represented by chief state attorneys Richard Birivumbuka and Joseph Kyomuhendo, requested more time, citing the need to respond to numerous affidavits filed by Besigye’s legal team. Birivumbuka argued that the affidavits raised significant issues requiring thorough examination.
He also informed the court that the prosecutors were engaged in other cases next week at the International Crimes Division of the High court, further justifying their need for more time. Although the prosecution initially sought a two-week extension, justice Kania found the request excessive and ordered the prosecutors to submit their responses by Wednesday next week.
Meanwhile, the court proceeded with the presentation of sureties. Besigye’s legal team, led by Ernest Kalibala and Erias Lukwago, presented his longstanding allies and legislators: Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda (Kira Municipality), Muhindo Tonny (Bukonzo East County), Francis Mwijukye (Buhweju County), and Nicholas Kamara (Kabale Municipality). For Lutale, his sureties included his wife Halima Nagitta, his brother Hamza Ssewankabo, and his daughter Nanfuka Zura.
The court explained to all sureties their responsibilities, emphasizing that they must ensure the applicants, if granted bail, return to court when required. Failure to do so would result in the forfeiture of their bail bonds or sentencing to civil prison if Besigye and Lutale abscond.
The two men have been in custody since November 16, 2024, facing treason charges. The prosecution alleges that they collaborated with a UPDF captain, Dennis Oola, to initiate actions aimed at overthrowing the Ugandan government.
Prosecutors claim that Besigye, Lutale, and their alleged accomplices sought firearms, logistical, and financial support during meetings held in various cities, including Geneva (Switzerland), Athens (Greece), Nairobi (Kenya), and Kampala (Uganda).
However, Besigye and Lutale argue that their continued imprisonment is unjust, noting they have been detained for over 100 days without clarity on when investigations will conclude or their trial will commence.
Their legal team contends that the Supreme court’s decision nullifying the military court’s jurisdiction over them should result in their release. They were initially charged at the Makindye Military Court before the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) took over the case and filed fresh charges following their arrest in Nairobi, Kenya. Additionally, Besigye and Lutale’s lawyers proceeded to the Nakawa Chief Magistrates court to contest a state application seeking access to their mobile phones.
I am sure even the Devil himself is dismayed by our 84-year-old “Problem of Africa” Gen Tibuhaburwa’s diabolic and inhumanity to his former physician, Dr. Kiiza Besigye.
In other words, the Devil can confess that he is Evil, but not as Evil and cruel like Mr. M7 is.
I do not understand what they expect to gain from this drama: It only shows how inhuman and diabolical they are. Remember what goes around comes around. It is bound to catapult and a place in the hottest corner of hell in waiting for the likes of you
(Prosecution unprepared to proceed with the bail application hearing.)
Rightly so as they are waiting for Rwandese Museveni, owner of Uganda, to tell them what to do!
All Ugandans need is just 1 National Leader who MUST call for an end to the tribalistic system, then to UNITY, the only moves Ugandans need to stop Museveni, then put in place the kind of governance they want!
Ah! Ugandans are even letting Museveni send them to fight in S. Sudan to help useless Salva Kiir!
Not to forget that S. Sudan & Sudan were ONE when their brother Idi Amin owned Uganda & they flooded Uganda, made it their land then! When Idi Amin finally knew he had lost,he flew off & Sudanesse/S. Sudanesse took Uganda vheicles & drove out; Kampala-Gulu road, Kampala-Jinja-Soroto-Mbale-Lira-Gulu roads were overwhelmed!
Why are powerless tribally divided ruled Ugandans just working to ensure they remain slaves of Rwandese Museveni legally, officially, constitutionally?
Lakwena, thanks.
84-year-old “Problem of Africa, Museveni, is making his former physician, Dr. Kiiza Besigye pay for defying him in the Uganda that’s his family business!
Ugandans are POWERLESS going along with the divisive tribalistic system, tribal leaders are silent as to what goes on but payed with tax money, fake elections protect Museveni…all is in place to ensure the outside world remain silent as it’s Ugandans alright with their enslavement!
Just 1 National/Common Leader is needed to UNITE Ugandans, but they are ensuring Museveni is legalised with next fake elections, WHY?
Just to know; as Rwandese Museveni doesn’t accept opposition to his rule as owner of Uganda, who will still stupidly go against him at next useless fake presidential election that he has already won?
Any fake opposition leader who will help legalise Museveni with next fake presidential election will be more evil than Museveni!
Just 1 National/Common Leader & UNITY are all Ugandans need & this will begin the moment tribal leaders give chance to UNITY by standing down, NOW!
Until then, Ugandans are alone with Museveni & they will fight, imprison one another for him as by right of birth!
Marc Mae, thanks!
This is why Ugandans MUST give themselves chance by saying NO to the tribalistic system & UNITE under just 1 Natiobnal/Common Leader, to have the POWER to stop Museveni!
Why is being FREE to form the kind of governance Ugandans want more dangerous than having Museveni?