Firebrand lawyer and Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has lashed out at the judiciary after High Court Judge Comfort Kanya Rossette denied bail to opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and political ally Obeid Lutale on Friday.
The two are accused of plotting to overthrow the government with alleged underground missions in Kenya, Greece, Belgium, and the Netherlands, a charge their legal team calls “baseless and political.”
Speaking furiously outside court, Lukwago said: “The judge has condemned the accused before trial. How can you deny bail based on rumors of offenses in Greece and Kenya with no evidence?” he charged.
Lukwago was fuming that despite their strong case showing the pair’s advanced ages (Besigye is 68, Lutale 65), no criminal history, and solid sureties, the judge claimed the charges were just “too heavy” to release them.
“Besigye has faced even graver charges,terrorism, rape, treason you name it. And he was given bail in all those cases. What’s so special about this one?” he questioned
He added that in previous cases, Besigye never interfered with witnesses or investigations, and the judge had even admitted that.
“It makes no sense. It’s a blatant attack on the presumption of innocence!” he fumed.
The defense team says they’re not backing down and will explore other options for justice like the East African Court of Justice among others that will be communicated in due course.
“This goes against the foundation of our Constitution and justice system,” Lukwago said, as supporters looked on in disbelief.
Dr. Besigye and Obeid faces two primary charges of treason: Allegedly plotting to overthrow the Ugandan government by force. This charge carries the maximum penalty of death by hanging upon conviction and misprision of treason for ailing to report knowledge of treasonous activities.
These charges stem from allegations that Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, conducted activities in countries including Kenya, Greece, Belgium, and the Netherlands, aimed at destabilizing Uganda’s national security .
Dr. Besigye was arrested in November 2024 after being brought back from Nairobi, Kenya. Initially charged in a military court, his case was transferred to a civilian court following a Supreme Court ruling that trying civilians in military courts is unconstitutional.
Dr. Kizza Besigye has applied for bail once in his current treason case. The High Court in Kampala heard his application. The duo have been further remanded to Luzira until further notice
