Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. /XUganda's main opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye is facing a prolonged stay in detention amid concerns over his deteriorating health and sustained efforts by his legal team and family to secure his release on bail.
Besigye has been in custody in Kampala since his abduction and arrest in Kenya on November 16, 2024.
He is facing treason charges jointly with his aide, Hajji Obeid Lutale.
Besigye's lead defence lawyer, Erias Lukwago, was subsequently arrested and charged with misprision of treason in the high-profile case.
On Tuesday, Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces and eldest son of President Yoweri Museveni, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, ruled out any possibility of Besigye and Lukwago being granted bail.
"Besigye and Lukwago will never get bail. They will pay for their crimes," Muhoozi wrote on X.
Treason is a capital offence in Uganda and carries the death penalty, although suspects facing the charge can apply for bail at the High Court's discretion.
Under Uganda's Constitution, people charged with capital offences can apply for bail after being remanded for 180 days without trial.
However, meeting the time threshold does not guarantee release, with courts also considering factors including the seriousness of the offence, the likelihood of the accused absconding and the reliability and independence of proposed sureties.
Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, has repeatedly called for his release on bail, citing his deteriorating health and the conditions under which he is being held.
Byanyima has said she wants to take her husband to their home in Geneva for specialised medical treatment, while maintaining that the request is not intended to enable him to evade justice.
She has assured authorities that Besigye would return to Uganda to face the proceedings once he recovers.
However, Muhoozi dismissed the request, insisting that Besigye could receive adequate medical care in Uganda.
"Besigye has the best medical attention in Uganda. I will arrest the next fool who says otherwise," he wrote.
Besigye has reportedly suffered high fevers, stomach pain, dehydration and suspected bacterial infections while detained at Luzira Maximum Security Prison, requiring specialised medical care and rehabilitation.
He has become extremely weak and lost significant weight and is unable to walk without assistance.
His condition prompted concern after he collapsed while appearing in court on July 29.
