The High Court in Kampala is today expected to deliver a ruling on a fresh bail application by veteran opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, as well as a request to suspend ongoing treason proceedings.
Besigye’s lead lawyer, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, told court that the defence re-applied for bail for Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale, while also asking the judge to stay the criminal trial pending the determination of a constitutional petition challenging the legality of the case.
According to Lukwago, trial judge Emmanuel Baguma indicated that the ruling would be delivered today at 11:00am via email a move the defence described as unusual.
The applications arise amid a wider dispute over jurisdiction and procedure, with the defence questioning whether the Criminal Division of the High Court properly instituted the trial.
Besigye and Lutale are facing charges of treason and unlawful possession of firearms, linked to allegations that between 2022 and 2023 they conspired to mobilise civilians and elements within the security forces to defy state authority.
Both men have denied the charges, insisting the case is politically motivated.
The defence maintains that proceedings should be halted until the Constitutional Court pronounces itself on whether the trial was lawfully commenced.
Dr Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and longtime critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, remains on remand at Luzira Prison after previous bail applications were rejected.
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