Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has expressed deep concern over the continued detention of opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his political aide Haji Obeid Lutale, calling it a troubling sign for political freedoms in Uganda.
Speaking during NBS Barometer on Tuesday, Lukwago, who also heads the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), described the past year as “tough,” yet expressed gratitude that both Besigye and Lutale remain alive, highlighting Dr. Besigye in particular.
“It is surprising that after an entire year, the government has still failed to present any evidence against Dr. Kizza Besigye,” Lukwago said.
He further noted that despite multiple bail applications filed before several judges, all legal requirements have been met, yet neither Besigye nor Lutale has been granted release.
As of Sunday, 16 October 2025, Besigye and Lutale have spent 365 days in detention following their abduction in Nairobi on 16 November 2024 and subsequent transfer to Kampala, where they were arraigned before the General Court Martial.
Their continued incarceration—amid stalled investigations, contested bail hearings, and allegations of judicial interference—has intensified scrutiny over Uganda’s political climate and respect for fundamental freedoms.
Besigye and Lutale were charged before the military court with offences relating to national security and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
They were remanded to Luzira Maximum Security Prison, where they remain as multiple court proceedings over the past year have produced minimal progress toward trial.
In April 2025, High Court Justice Rosette Comfort Kania rejected the duo’s first formal bail application, despite acknowledging that the legal threshold for release had been met.
The application cited Besigye’s age (68),deteriorating health, and prolonged pre-trial detention exceeding 150 days. Justice Kania ruled against release, citing the applicants’ “high standing in society” and the gravity of the treason charges as potential risks to ongoing investigations.
Her decision drew immediate criticism from constitutional lawyers, who argued that it was inconsistent with Ugandan bail law and suggested possible external influence.
Undeterred, the defence filed a mandatory bail application in May 2025 before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court, arguing that the 180-day constitutional limit for pre-trial detention in capital offences had been exceeded.
The Chief Magistrate, however, ruled she lacked jurisdiction under the 2022 bail guidelines, reserving such decisions for the High Court.
The case was then brought before the Criminal Division of the High Court and assigned to Justice Emmanuel Baguma. On 8 August 2025, Justice Baguma dismissed the mandatory bail application, holding that the 180-day countdown began on 21 February 2025 when the accused were formally charged with treason at Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court.
This contradicted the defence’s position that Besigye and Lutale had been in continuous lawful remand since November 2024.
A renewed standard bail petition remains pending before Justice Baguma, amid calls for his recusal by the defence team over alleged bias. The judge has insisted on proceeding, resulting in a deadlock and further delaying the resolution of the matter.
The anniversary of Besigye’s detention has reignited debates over Uganda’s political freedoms, the independence of the judiciary, and the treatment of opposition leaders. Besigye’s confrontations with state authorities span more than two decades, including previous treason charges in 2005, allegations of rape later dismissed, arrests during the 2011 Walk-to-Work protests, and restrictions on his political activities during election cycles.
Despite stepping back from presidential contests after 2016, Besigye has remained a key figure in opposition mobilisation. Analysts warn that his prolonged detention could have significant implications for Uganda’s political landscape as the country approaches its next electoral cycle.
“We have followed every legal process, we have met all requirements, yet our leaders remain behind bars. This is a test not only of justice but of the very state of democracy in Uganda,” Lukwago said.