By Mugula Dan
The High Court in Kampala has denied bail to opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and his Personal Assistant Hajji Obeid Lutaale on grounds that they will interfere with ongoing police investigation into the charges of treason.
Judge Rosette Comfort Kania dismissed their bail application, saying the two charges were among the most serious charges in the laws of Uganda.
Judge Kania said that although Dr. Besigye and Lutale have been fulfilling most of the qualifications of bail; For example, having the permanent places of residence, the detention years and having their own bail applicants, the court must take care of national security and human security.
In his judgment read out by the clerk of the court, Judge Salaam Ngoobi, Judge Kania explained that Dr Besigye and his colleague are very powerful and fame and if they are released on bail they may disrupt the ongoing investigation into various countries.
The cases are allegedly being violated by the accused in several cities including Greece, Kenya, Belgium, and Uganda and according to the government led by Joseph Kyomuhendo and Richard Birive in the investigation into the cases is still ongoing.
Dr Besigye and Hajji Lutale are accused of treason and failing to report treason against the authorities.
The two have been in custody in Luzira prison for 147 days, from November 16, 2024, after being arrested by security agencies from the Riverside Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya
They are accused along with Capt. Dennis Oola, a soldier of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF).
Besigye and Lutale were first charged in a military court on charges of illegal possession of firearms ,but their case was canceled after the Supreme Court’s judgment.
Supporters of Dr Besigye and his colleague who were in court appeared to be confused, and decided to sing to them and sing songs of comfort.
The team of Dr Besigye’s lawyers, including Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, has expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s ruling and said they will appeal.
Dr Besigye and Hajji Lutale have been remanded in custody until April 30,