The state has urged the High Court in Kampala to deny bail to veteran politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, arguing that he poses a flight risk.
Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, who are facing treason charges before the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court, recently applied for bail. However, the prosecution contends that Besigye might flee the country due to the gravity of the charges against him.
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“The charges against the applicant are serious, of public interest, and impact national security. They carry a maximum sentence of death upon conviction. Given the cross-border nature of the offenses, the applicant is a flight risk,” Detective Inspector of Police Wilbern Batura Tworekirwe stated in his affidavit.
In his bail application, Besigye maintained that he is a law-abiding citizen who has never been convicted despite facing multiple charges over the years. He further claimed that he is being persecuted by the state.
However, the prosecution dismissed these claims, asserting that Besigye has a history of engaging in unlawful activities and disregarding the law.
“The applicant is not a law-abiding citizen. He is confrontational and frequently in conflict with the law. Over the years, he has demonstrated repeated disregard for law and order, as evidenced by numerous arrests and criminal charges against him,” the state argued.
The prosecution also referenced an ongoing incitement to violence case at Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court, where Besigye is accused alongside Walter Lubega Mukaku. Additionally, they cited an incident in 2017 when Besigye allegedly vowed before the public and media never to return to the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court, portraying a lack of respect for legal proceedings.
Similarly, the state has urged the court to deny bail to Lutale, stating that he does not meet the necessary requirements.
“It is in the interest of justice that this application is dismissed,” the prosecution emphasized.
The Charges
Besigye and his co-accused are charged with treason under Section 23(1)(c) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.
Prosecutors allege that between 2023 and November 2024, Besigye, along with Hajji Obeid Lutale, Captain Oola, and others still at large, conspired to overthrow the Ugandan government by force. The alleged plot reportedly took place in various locations, including Geneva (Switzerland), Athens (Greece), Nairobi (Kenya), and Kampala (Uganda).
The prosecution further claims that the accused traveled to multiple countries to attend meetings aimed at advancing their plan to overthrow the government.
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