Veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye has been denied bail once again by the High Court in Kampala, a development that prolongs his detention as Uganda approaches its general elections. Besigye, a prominent critic of President Yoweri Museveni and former presidential candidate, faces treason charges that he describes as political persecution.
The court’s decision came after Besigye and his co-accused were required to take plea before any further bail consideration, effectively blocking repeated bail attempts by his defence team. His legal representatives argued that prolonged detention without release violates judicial norms, but the judge ruled that the legal process must proceed through plea-taking before bail can be reconsidered.
Supporters and human-rights advocates have criticised the ruling, saying it reflects a shrinking space for political opposition in Uganda and could undermine confidence in democratic processes ahead of elections. Besigye has been in custody since November 2024, and his continued detention has raised concerns among activists and international observers about fair trial rights and the treatment of opposition figures.
The treason case and repeated denial of bail underscore ongoing tensions in Uganda’s political landscape, where authorities have taken a firm stance against perceived threats to national stability, even as critics warn such actions may suppress dissent.
