The state has asked the High Court in Kampala to deny bail to Dr. Kizza Besigye, claiming he is a flight risk due to the serious treason charges he faces. Besigye, along with co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale, is charged with treason in the Chief Magistrates Court in Nakawa and sought bail last month.
The state argues that Besigye, who faces capital offenses, may flee the country, citing the cross-border nature of the charges. Detective Inspector Wilbern Batura Tworekirwe, handling the case, emphasized that the charges could impact national security and carry the death penalty.
Besigye, in his defense, claimed he is a law-abiding citizen and that the charges against him are politically motivated. However, the state countered, pointing to Besigye’s history of legal troubles and public confrontations with the law.
The state has also requested that Lutale be denied bail, arguing he does not meet the requirements.
The Charges
Besigye and Lutale are accused of plotting to overthrow the Ugandan government between 2023 and 2024 in various countries, including Switzerland, Greece, Kenya, and Uganda.