High court dismisses fresh bail application by Besigye, Lutale

The High Court has dismissed a fresh bail application filed by Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Haji Obeid Lutale, after ruling that the applicants failed to prosecute their own application.

The decision, delivered on Wednesday by the Criminal Division of the High Court, effectively leaves the two men in custody as they continue to face treason-related charges before the court.

The judge held that the applicants did not actively pursue the application, leading to its dismissal.

The ruling comes against the backdrop of ongoing pre-trial proceedings in the high-profile case.

In recent months, the prosecution sought court approval to withhold the identities of six key witnesses, arguing that disclosure could compromise their safety.

The defence opposed the move, accusing the State of delaying evidence disclosure and denying them sufficient information to adequately prepare their case.

Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figures, has repeatedly challenged his continued detention through the courts.

His legal team has maintained that he qualifies for bail and has argued that the prosecution has delayed the trial process.

The dismissal marks the second time the High Court has declined to grant relief through a bail application, meaning Besigye and Lutale will remain on remand as their treason case proceeds.

Their lawyers are expected to consider the next legal steps, including the possibility of filing another application or pursuing alternative remedies.