Denying Besigye Bail Would Be a Grave Mistake, Says Byanyima Ahead of Key Court Ruling

Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS and wife of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, has called for the release of Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale, ahead of a crucial court decision on their bail application.

In a statement on her X (formerly Twitter) account, Byanyima said: “After being abducted from Nairobi and held illegally for five months, denying them bail would be a grave injustice. Neither poses a flight risk. Both are innocent of the politically motivated charges they face.”

Besigye and Lutale have been on remand since November 2024. They were arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, and forcibly returned to Uganda.

They are charged with treason, accused of plotting to overthrow the government. Prosecutors claim they held meetings in Geneva, Athens, and Nairobi to seek foreign support for destabilizing Uganda.

Besigye’s lawyers filed a bail application on February 27. They dismissed the charges as politically motivated.

They reminded the court that Besigye has faced similar charges before—none of which resulted in conviction. His defense argued that his detention serves no legal purpose, especially given his age (68) and health, worsened by over 100 days in harsh prison conditions.

The High Court has already heard submissions from both the prosecution and defense. Written arguments were due by March 31.

The court will deliver its ruling on the bail application on April 11.

The case has garnered significant attention both in Uganda and internationally. Amnesty International and other rights organizations have condemned the Ugandan government’s actions.

They have called for Besigye and Lutale’s immediate release and criticized the violation of court orders. Reports of Besigye’s hunger strike while in detention have raised further concerns.

Byanyima’s remarks add pressure on the judiciary to ensure justice is not influenced by political interests.

The outcome of Friday’s ruling is expected to have significant consequences for Uganda’s political landscape and human rights standing.