Under Fire, Court Finally Grants Besigye His Day in Court

Following sustained pressure from political leaders, legal experts, and human rights advocates, the High Court has finally set a date for the bail hearing of Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya.

Justice Emmanuel Baguma, who had previously faced criticism over alleged delays and concealment of the case file, has scheduled the hearing for August 6. The move marks a breakthrough in a case that has drawn national and international attention.

Besigye, the founder of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), and Lutale have been in detention at Luzira prison for months over charges of treason and misprision of treason. Their prolonged custody has raised alarm among civil society groups.

The decision comes after Tuesday’s dramatic declaration by the PFF leadership, threatening to "storm and camp" at the Principal Judge’s office if a hearing date was not set by Wednesday, July 23.

Besigye’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Martha Karua, has filed multiple bail applications since April, all of which were denied or ignored. Critics say this delay defies Article 23(6) of the Ugandan Constitution, which mandates timely bail hearings.

The previous bail denial by Justice Rosette Comfort Kania cited potential interference with investigations. However, with the case now committed to the High Court, that argument no longer holds.

PFF insists the delays are politically motivated and aimed at silencing dissent.

The August hearing could prove a critical test for Uganda’s judiciary amid growing calls for judicial independence.

Observers now await the court’s next move with keen interest