240 Days Behind Bars: Besigye’s Detention Sparks Legal Uproar

Today marks 240 days since Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Haj Obeid Lutale, were detained—an incarceration their lawyers now call a grave miscarriage of justice. The legal team is increasingly frustrated by what they allege is deliberate sabotage by the judiciary.Lead counsel Erias Lukwago revealed that two bail applications filed in May have stalled without explanation. The applications, initially assigned to Justice David Matovu, were reportedly redirected to Justice Baguma, who has since refused to schedule a hearing or return the case file.

Lukwago said complaints have been submitted to both the Principal Judge and Head of the Criminal Division, but to no avail. He expressed disbelief at the judiciary’s silence, warning of mounting pressure from the legal team to confront top judicial officials directly.

Dr. Besigye and Lutale remain in detention despite being officially committed for trial by the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on May 30, 2025. Lukwago claims the court retains a file over which it no longer has jurisdiction, violating legal procedures.

He further revealed that the committal file has not been transmitted to the International Crimes Division (ICD) as required. This delay, he argues, continues to unjustly prolong the duo’s detention, deepening doubts about the fairness of the judicial system.

The pair face charges of treason and misprision of treason related to their alleged illegal extradition from Kenya in November 2024. They were reportedly abducted in Nairobi by individuals claiming to be Kenyan police and handed over to Ugandan forces at Malaba border.

Besigye’s legal team in Kenya is preparing a petition challenging the alleged illegal rendition. They plan to sue for violations of extradition laws in both countries, accusing the Ugandan Attorney General of endorsing what they describe as mercenary operations.

Lukwago issued an ultimatum, giving the judiciary one week to act. He stated that Besigye is entitled to a speedy and fair trial. If the state is unable to prosecute him, Lukwago demands his unconditional release to uphold basic legal rights.

Judiciary spokesperson Justice Ireemye Mawanda denied any intentional suppression of the case but admitted to procedural delays. As public concern grows over political influence in the courts, this case now serves as a key test of Uganda’s judicial independence