Veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye did not appear before the Buganda Road Court on Thursday, and by press time, no explanation had been provided by either the Uganda Prisons Service or the state.
Dr. Besigye was expected to appear for a mention of inciting violence charges and a ruling on his application for release from prison. His lawyers, led by Erias Lukwago and Earnest Kalibala, petitioned the court on February 14, 2025, seeking his immediate release from Luzira prison.
Buganda Road Court Magistrate Winnie Nankya on Thursday declined to grant an order for the release of the opposition politician, stating that there is a similar case filed in the High Court, which takes precedence as it holds more power than the lower courts. The court has also stayed the proceedings of Dr. Besigye and Samuel Lubega Mukaaku for 60 days, recognizing that Dr Besigye is unable to stand trial due to his current state of health.
Mr. Lukwago argued that Dr. Besigye had been granted bail, and with the Supreme Court’s nullification of the Court Martial, no other criminal charges remained against him. He claimed that Dr. Besigye’s continued detention is illegal and that he is being held without a remand warrant.
The lawyers also expressed concern about Dr. Besigye’s health, stating that he is ill. KFM understands that the government recently allowed his personal doctors access to him and permitted them to take him to a clinic outside the prison, escorted by security officers.
However, Senior State Attorney Allan Mucunguzi objected to the application, stating that Dr. Besigye’s liberty has not been violated since he was granted bail in this specific case.
Dr. Besigye and activist Samuel Lubega Mukaaku are facing charges of inciting violence during the June 2022 Kampala Protests. According to the government, Dr. Besigye is also being held on remand for national security charges, along with his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale.
During Wednesday’s court session where Besigye appeared over national security-related charges, the judge expressed concern about Besigye’s deteriorating condition, stating that he could not proceed with a sick prisoner who might faint in court.
