Ugandan court denies Kizza Besigye bail after months jail over treason

A judge in Uganda has denied veteran opposition figure, Kizza Besigye a bail on Friday after he spent almost nine months in jail for treason charges.

The Judge on the case, Emmanuel Baguma, ruled that the 180-day period required for automatic bail only began when Besigye was formally remanded to civilian court on February 21, 2025, meaning he is currently 12 days short of qualifying.

Other major oppositions like Bobi Wine and government critics have questioned the manner in which opposition figures are treated in the country ahead of its national election in 2026.

The current president, Yoweri Museveni, who is 80 years old is seeking re-election and his government has denied any crackdown on opposition figures, insisting they have been detained because of the crimes they committed.

Kizza Besigye was a former ally and personal physician to Yoweri Museveni but stood against him in four major elections.

He was forcefully returned from Kenya to Uganda in November last year and formally charged in a military tribunal before the case was transferred to a civilian court.

Kizza Besigye has denied any wrongdoing and his lawyers argue he should be released on bail due to the time spent in jail (180 days) without starting his trial.