KAMPALA- The opposition leader, Col. (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye and his Aide Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya have submitted a formal bail application to the International Crimes Division of the High Court of Uganda.
Besigye, who is 68 years old, cited his advanced age and the harsh conditions at Luzira prison as reasons for his release. He was charged with treason and misprision of treason earlier this month and argues that these offenses are bailable only by the High Court.
In his affidavit, Besigye highlighted his long history of political activism and leadership, emphasizing his role as a former presidential candidate and advocate for constitutional governance.
He also expressed concerns about his poor health condition while in detention at Luzira Prison.
Besigye’s legal team, including Lukwago and company advocates, AF Mpanga and company advocates, assured the court that he is not a flight risk and has substantial sureties to support his release.
They also pointed out that Besigye has a proven track record of complying with court orders, having been granted bail on multiple occasions in the past.
The application emphasized Besigye’s commitment to peaceful and non-violent means of ensuring Uganda is governed according to the law.
His legal team also argued that the charges against him are politically motivated and that holding him in custody without trial or proper legal procedures violates his rights.
In a related development, Members of parliament on the public Accounts committee put to task officials from the DPP,s office to give an explanation on the political prisoners still languishing in prisons despite a supreme Court ruling .
The Supreme Court nullified prosecution of civilians in General court martial and military courts describing them as unconditional.
Since then only former FDC leader Kizza Besigye and Obeidi Kamulegeya who were set to undergo military trial have been officially reassigned to a civilian court and charged with treason.
Chairperson of the committee Muhammed Muwanga Kivumbi is concerned that the DPP office is taking long to transfer these people files to the civilian courts.
This as officials from the DPP,s office today appeared before the committee to answer to queries to the Auditor general’s report
We captured submissions of MP,s Muwanga Kivumbi and Gorette Namugga the Deputy chairperson of the committee.
In response Deputy DPP George Byansi says that they do not have control over these cases and they are waiting for these file to be presented to their office.
He however says that they have received some of the files and promises to give a detailed report on the matter before close of business today
Muwanga Kivumbi also asks government to address the issue of under staffing of the DPP’s office for speedy trail of cases.
