Besigye, Lutale back in court as Winnie Byanyima demands justice on bail bid

Uganda Opposition leader Kizza Besigye in Court/SCREENGRAB

Uganda's opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, political activist Obed (Obeid) Lutale, are expected to return to court on Monday.

This is the fourth time they will be in court to seek bail, deepening debate over prolonged detention and the rights of elderly detainees in Uganda’s criminal justice system.

The two have been on remand for about a year. 

Their repeated bail attempts have so far failed, with previous hearings ending in objections from state prosecutors. 

Lawyers argue that both men meet legal requirements for temporary release pending trial, pointing to their age and length of detention.

Ahead of the hearing, Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, issued a strongly-worded statement urging the state to stop objecting to bail and calling for due process to prevail.

“Tomorrow, Kizza Besigye and Obed Lutale return to court - for the 4th time - seeking bail. They are elderly men who have spent a year in jail, separated from family, care, and dignity. The law allows bail. Justice demands it,” she said.

She questioned whether the state would again oppose their release, adding that the matter was attracting wide international attention.

“Will the state and President Kaguta Museveni again object? The world is watching. The truth will prevail,” Byanyima wrote.

Besigye, a long-time rival of President Museveni, has faced numerous arrests and treason charges over two decades of political contest. Lutale, a close associate and mobiliser, was arrested alongside him.

Details of the treason case are still before the courts, and defence lawyers say the slow pace of proceedings amounts to a violation of their clients’ constitutional right to a fair and expeditious trial.

Legal analysts note that Uganda’s Constitution provides for bail at the discretion of courts, and past court rulings have affirmed that bail should not be unreasonably denied. 

Human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concern over the continued detention of suspects for long periods before trial.

Family members and activists argue that the men’s age should be a compelling factor for release

Supporters say both need medical attention and family support that prison facilities cannot provide, claims authorities have previously disputed.

The court is expected to hear arguments from both sides before ruling on whether Besigye and Lutale will be released pending trial. 

If bail is granted, they will be required to meet conditions set by the judge, which could include sureties, travel restrictions, and regular reporting to authorities.

Should their application fail again, lawyers are expected to pursue fresh legal options, including appeals.

As the pair return to court for yet another attempt, their supporters say the outcome will be a test of the state’s commitment to justice, constitutional rights, and the rule of law, particularly for elderly detainees awaiting trial.