The court has postponed its decision regarding the bail application for Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye and businessman/politician Obeid Lutale until April 11, 2025, even after sureties were provided.
This means the two have to sleep in jail for more than three weeks to know the outcome of their bail request.
Besigye’s sureties included four parliamentary representatives: Ssemuju Nganda from Kiira Municipality, Harlod Muhindo representing Bukonjo East, Francis Mwijukye of Buhweju, and Nicholas Kamara from Kabale Municipality, while Lutale’s sureties were his wife, Hallimah Lutale, Counsel Hamuza Ssewangga (his brother) and Zuula Nanfuka (his daughter).
Besigye, the four-time presidential runner (2001-2016), and Lutale were detained over alleged subversive activities.
The police claims that the two were involved in a group plotting to undermine the government.
Conversely, Lutale is a businessman and politician associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, facing accusations of funding opposition efforts and offering logistical support to opposition leaders.
The arrests of Besigye and Lutale have drawn widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and human rights advocates, who argue that the government is employing intimidation tactics to suppress dissent.
Their lawyer Erias Lukwago pleaded with the judge to consider the sureties substantial and grant the accused persons bail, in vain.
