Lawyer and human rights activist Wanda Ronald Samuel has expressed serious concern over the continued detention of four-time presidential candidate Kizza Besigye, describing it as an abuse of power and a threat to Uganda’s democratic processes.
Speaking on Thursday during NBS Frontline, Samuel highlighted the prolonged delays in Besigye’s trial and the implications for political pluralism in the country.
“This past year has been deeply disappointing. Everyone has a right to a speedy trial. The continued detention of Dr. Besigye is an abuse of power. The unopposed political culture is yet to start. By 2031, you will see about 100 unopposed MPs,” Samuel said.
As of Sunday, 16 November 2025, Besigye and his co-accused, Lutale, have spent exactly 365 days in detention following their abduction in Nairobi on 16 November 2024 and subsequent transfer to Kampala.
The two were arraigned before the General Court Martial on charges related to national security and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition and have been held at Luzira Maximum Security Prison amid stalled court proceedings.
In April 2025, High Court Justice Rosette Comfort Kania rejected Besigye and Lutale’s first formal bail application, despite acknowledging that legal thresholds for release had been met.
The application cited Besigye’s age (68), deteriorating health, and prolonged pre-trial detention exceeding 150 days. Justice Kania denied bail, citing their “high standing in society” and the seriousness of the treason charges as potential risks to ongoing investigations.
The ruling drew immediate criticism from constitutional lawyers, who argued it contradicted Ugandan bail law and suggested potential external influence on judicial processes.
The defence filed a mandatory bail application in May 2025 before Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court, invoking the 180-day constitutional limit for pre-trial detention in capital offenses. The magistrate declined jurisdiction under the 2022 bail guidelines, referring the matter to the High Court.
The case was subsequently assigned to Justice Emmanuel Baguma of the Criminal Division of the High Court. On 8 August 2025, Justice Baguma dismissed the mandatory bail application, ruling that the 180-day countdown began on 21 February 2025 when Besigye and Lutale were formally charged with treason at Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court—a position contrary to the defence’s argument that lawful remand had been continuous since November 2024.
A renewed standard bail petition remains pending before Justice Baguma amid calls for his recusal over alleged bias, leaving the case in legal limbo.
Besigye has been a central figure in Uganda’s opposition politics for over two decades. His legal and political battles include treason charges in 2005, allegations of sexual assault later dismissed, arrests during the 2011 Walk-to-Work protests, and restrictions on political activity during election periods. Despite stepping back from presidential contests after 2016, he remains a highly influential opposition figure.
Analysts warn that Besigye’s prolonged detention could have far-reaching consequences for Uganda’s political stability, particularly with the next general elections approaching. Samuel’s remarks underscore growing public concern over the balance between state security, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms in Uganda.