The High Court in Kampala, presided over by Justice Douglas Singiza, has scheduled a ruling on February 25, 2025, regarding an application seeking the unconditional release of veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale.
Dr. Besigye and Mr. Lutale have been detained since November 2024, following their alleged abduction from Nairobi, Kenya, and subsequent charges of security-related offenses and treachery before the General Court Martial.
The prosecution contends that between October 2023 and November 2024, the duo convened meetings in Geneva, Athens, and Nairobi, aiming to secure logistical support and pinpoint military targets in Uganda to destabilize the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
In a landmark decision on January 31, 2025, Uganda’s Supreme Court declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional, effectively halting such prosecutions and mandating the transfer of cases to civilian judicial systems.
This ruling prompted Dr Besigye’s legal team to file a habeas corpus application, demanding his immediate release.
Despite the Supreme Court’s directive, Dr. Besigye and Mr. Lutale remain in detention, sparking concerns about their well-being. Reports indicate that Dr. Besigye initiated a hunger strike on February 10, 2025, protesting his continued incarceration. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, also expressed alarm over his deteriorating health, accusing the government of intentionally delaying his release. However, prison officials have refuted claims of a hunger strike.
The case has garnered significant national and international attention, with human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch calling for the immediate release of Dr. Besigye and Mr. Lutale.
