Uganda Court Rejects Bail for Opposition Leader Kizza Besigye

Africa-(Special Correspondent/Web desk) – A Uganda court has refused to grant bail to veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who has spent nearly nine months in detention facing treason charges. The ruling, delivered on Friday by Justice Emmanuel Baguma, stated that the 180-day limit for mandatory bail began only on February 21, when Besigye was formally remanded to a civilian court. This calculation leaves him 12 days short of qualifying for automatic release.

Lawyers Argue for Immediate Release

Besigye’s legal team argued he should be freed because he has already spent more than 180 days in custody without his trial beginning. They say his earlier time in military detention should count toward the limit. However, the court dismissed this claim, insisting the countdown started only after the civilian court took over the case.

Political Tensions Rise Ahead of 2026 Elections

The decision has sparked strong criticism from government opponents, including fellow opposition leader Bobi Wine and human rights groups. They see the ruling as part of a wider crackdown on political dissent ahead of Uganda’s 2026 national election. President Yoweri Museveni, now 80 years old, has confirmed he will seek another term in office. The government has rejected accusations of targeting opposition figures, insisting all detainees are being held for legitimate criminal offenses.

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A Long Political Battle

Once a close ally and personal doctor to Museveni, Besigye has run against him in four presidential elections, losing each time but alleging widespread fraud and intimidation. He has been arrested numerous times, including in 2022 on charges of inciting violence. Last November, he was forcibly returned from Kenya and initially charged in a military court before his case was moved to a civilian court.

Besigye denies all charges and has not confirmed whether he will run for president again.