KAMPALA, Uganda – A seismic wave of disbelief and outrage has ripped through Uganda as the High Court delivered a stunning blow to veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, denying his bid for temporary release. The courtroom, a stage for high-stakes legal drama, erupted in stunned silence as Justice Rosette Comfort Kania declared Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, would remain behind bars, their freedom dreams dashed against the cold, hard wall of judicial decision.
The nation, already simmering with political tension, now faces a potential explosion of public fury. Supporters of the four-time presidential candidate, who has become a symbol of resistance against the current regime, are reeling from what they perceive as a blatant act of political persecution.
Justice Kania, in a ruling that has sent shockwaves across the country, acknowledged the compelling arguments for Besigye’s release: his advanced age, lack of criminal record, and established residency. Yet, she coldly dismissed these pleas, citing the “grave nature” of the treason charges and the “complex, multi-national” investigation as reasons to keep him locked away.
“The interest of Justice,” she declared, “dictates that the application for bail is denied.” A statement that now echoes across Uganda, fueling accusations of judicial bias and political manipulation.
Outside the courthouse, a sea of bewildered and enraged supporters chanted slogans, their voices a raw expression of their disbelief. Erias Lukwago, a prominent lawyer and Besigye ally, condemned the ruling as a “terrible decision” that sets a dangerous precedent for the country’s already fragile justice system.
Besigye, along with Lutale, has languished in detention for over 147 days, their arrests in Nairobi, Kenya, sparking international condemnation. The treason charges, alleging a plot to overthrow the government, have been dismissed by his supporters as a politically motivated witch hunt.
The court’s decision has plunged Uganda into a maelstrom of uncertainty, with fears of heightened political unrest swirling through the capital.
