Winnie Byanyima hopeful again as Dr. Kizza Besigye Files New Bail Request

Hope is once again rising for Winnie Byanyima, the wife of jailed opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, as her husband files a new application for bail after spending over 150 days in detention without trial.

Besigye, a former presidential candidate and once the personal doctor to President Museveni during the 1980s bush war, is battling treason charges. His fresh bail application, presented to the High Court in Kampala, points to his worsening health and his age of 68 as strong reasons for his release.

He also argues that his long stay in prison is unlawful and highlights that he has always respected bail conditions before. Substantial sureties have been provided to back his request.

His aide, Hajji Obeid Lutale, has also filed a separate bail application based on similar grounds.

However, the Ugandan government strongly opposes the move. Officials claim that if Besigye is released, he might flee the country.

Detective Inspector Wilbern Batura Tworekirwe, in a sworn statement, warned that the case involves cross-border activities, increasing the risk of Besigye escaping. He also pointed out that treason carries a death penalty in Uganda.

The prosecution accuses Besigye, Captain Oola, and others still at large of plotting to overthrow the government between 2023 and late 2024. They allege that the group traveled to countries like Switzerland, Kenya, and Greece to organize secret meetings about their plans.

Despite these accusations, Besigye firmly denies any wrongdoing. “I am a law-abiding citizen,” he said, noting that although he has faced many charges over the years, he has never been found guilty. He insists that the government is targeting him unfairly.

Also read: Winnie Byanyima Sends Loving Message as Dr. Kizza Besigye Turns 69 in Jail

The government also reminded the court about Besigye’s past remarks in 2017, where he reportedly said he would not return to court, arguing that he shows disrespect for the law. They used this to push their case against granting him bail again.

Earlier, Besigye’s first bail attempt was denied by Justice Rosette Comfort Kania on April 11. While the judge acknowledged that he fulfilled all legal requirements, she refused the request due to the seriousness of the treason charges and fears he could interfere with investigations. Legal experts later criticized her ruling, calling it weak under Uganda’s bail laws, which allow multiple applications.

The state has now formally asked the High Court to reject both Besigye’s and Hajji Obeid Lutale’s bail applications, insisting that “it is in the interest of justice” to keep them in custody as the trial preparations continue.

Meanwhile, Byanyima and Besigye’s supporters remain hopeful, eagerly waiting for the court’s next decision.