The Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court has extended the remand of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale to Luzira Prison until May 21 as investigations into treason and misprision of treason charges continue.
On Wednesday, Besigye, Lutale, and UPDF Captain Denis Oola appeared before Chief Magistrate Esther Nyadoi, who ordered their continued detention. Their legal team, led by Erias Lukwago, strongly objected, claiming their clients are being held in solitary confinement and denied contact with both their families and lawyers—despite their right to be presumed innocent.
Lukwago criticized the state’s treatment, arguing it implies Besigye and Lutale are being treated as though already convicted, even without a trial verdict.
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The case was adjourned to May 21 to allow time for an appeal by Besigye’s lawyers. They are challenging a lower court’s decision to allow a police officer to testify in a private hearing regarding prosecutors’ request for access to Besigye and Lutale’s mobile phones, excluding both the public and the media.
Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka expressed disappointment over the slow progress of the appeal, which the defense attributes to delays caused by judicial transfers within the High Court.
Besigye and Lutale recently submitted a second bail application, having spent over 150 days in custody. Their initial bail request was rejected by Justice Rosette Kania Comfort on April 11, 2025, who argued that releasing them could compromise ongoing investigations and noted that treason is considered Uganda’s most serious offense.
The new bail application has not yet been scheduled for a hearing. Prosecutors allege that the accused conspired to overthrow the government, citing activities in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala involving the solicitation of weapons, financial resources, and logistical support.
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