The High Court in Kampala has dismissed an application by Col. (Retired) Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Haji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, seeking release from prison following the Supreme Court’s decision banning the trial of civilians in military courts. 

In his ruling on Monday, High Court Judge Dr. Douglas Singiza dismissed the application on grounds that it had been overtaken by events, as Besigye and Lutale had already been charged at Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on February 21, 2025.

Besigye, Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola were remanded until March 7, 2025, as investigations into charges of treason and misprision of treason continue. Prosecutors allege that the trio, while in various cities including Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece, Nairobi in Kenya, and Kampala in Uganda, solicited firearms and financial support and attended meetings with the intent to overthrow the Ugandan Government.

Besigye and Lutale argued that they were being held in illegal detention without valid remand warrants since the Supreme Court’s decision nullified the military court’s power to try them. However, Judge Singiza ruled that under Section 56 of the Evidence Act, the court must take judicial notice of proceedings where the applicants were formally charged and remanded.

In his ruling, Judge Singiza also addressed personal attacks he faced on social media, stating that while some insults may be tolerable as fair comments, others—including cartoon drawings depicting him as a Nazi judge—were unacceptable and could amount to criminal prejudice. 

By Our Reporter

24 February 2025

END