Kampala, Uganda — The High Court in Kampala has set February 25, 2025, as the date for ruling on an application seeking the unconditional release of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutaale. The case, which will be heard before Justice Dr. Douglas Singiza, has drawn significant legal and political attention due to allegations of abduction, unlawful detention, and torture.
The same judge will also hear a separate application for the release of lawyer Eron Kiiza, who is currently serving a nine-month sentence for contempt of court.
Allegations of Abduction and Illegal Detention
According to court documents, Dr. Besigye and Lutaale were abducted from Riverside, Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, during a book launch hosted by Kenyan jurist Martha Karua. They were reportedly forced back to Uganda without due process and detained at Makindye Military Barracks.
The defense, led by Lukwago & Company Advocates, argues that their detention is unlawful, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on January 31, 2025, which declared the trial of civilians before military courts unconstitutional. Despite this ruling, Besigye and Lutaale remain in detention without a lawful remand warrant.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, has filed a habeas corpus petition demanding their immediate release. In her affidavit, she detailed the circumstances surrounding her husband’s alleged abduction and torture, attaching supporting evidence, including the Supreme Court’s decision.
Serious Charges Amid Political Controversy
The prosecution alleges that Besigye, along with Captain Denis Oula and Lutaale, held meetings in Geneva, Switzerland; Athens, Greece; and Nairobi, Kenya, to solicit logistical support and identify military targets in Uganda—actions allegedly intended to undermine the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
This is not the first time Dr. Besigye has faced such charges. In 2006, he was accused of treason, rape, and concealment of treason, although the charges were later dismissed. Over the years, he has consistently maintained that his arrests are politically motivated attempts to silence opposition voices.
Legal Precedent and Political Ramifications
The Supreme Court ruling on January 31, 2025, led by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, ordered all pending trials of civilians before military courts to be transferred to civilian courts. While the Attorney General has indicated willingness to comply, President Yoweri Museveni has expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing the need for a “quick trial” for Besigye to expose the facts of the case.
Museveni, in a recent statement, questioned why Besigye was arrested, insisting that Ugandans should focus on the charges rather than the detention itself. He also dismissed concerns over Besigye’s reported hunger strike, suggesting it was a tactic to gain sympathy for bail.
Upcoming Court Rulings and Growing Pressure
In addition to the High Court hearing on February 25, Buganda Road Court is set to decide on another application seeking Besigye’s release on February 20, 2025. The legal battle has triggered national and international attention, with protests and calls for his release growing louder.
As Uganda awaits the court’s decision, the case continues to highlight deep-seated tensions between the judiciary, the executive, and the opposition, raising critical questions about the rule of law and political freedoms in the country.
