By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A judge in Uganda has ruled that veteran opposition figure, Kizza Besigye who has been in jail for nearly nine months on treason charges is not due to apply for bail, turning down the request in a Friday ruling.
Judge Emmanuel Baguma held that the 180-day maximum period before mandatory bail is granted only began when Besigye was remanded in the civilian court on February 21.
This therefore implies that he falls short by 12 days in order to secure bail in a case that has raised concerns among government critics, including opposition leader Bobi Wine and rights groups, about a crackdown by the Yoweri Museveni’s administration.
This comes ahead of national election early next year in which Museveni, 80 said he will stand for a fresh term in office, extending his grip on power nearly 40 years.
Museveni has denied clampdown on opposition figures, instead claiming that all those who have been detained have committed crimes.
A former ally and personal physician of Museveni, Besigye has contested election four times and lost to Museveni.
It is not clear if he will run in the next year’s election.
In November last year, Besigye was forcefully brought back to Uganda from neighbouring Kenya and charged before a military tribunal, before his case was transferred to a civilian court.
His lawyers argued he should be automatically released on bail because he has spent more than 180 days in jail without his trial starting.
Museveni, who came to office in 1986, is the fourth longest-serving leader in Africa.
His ruling NRM party has twice amended the constitution to create room for Museveni to remain in office.
Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi has indicated interest to run in the January 2026 presidential election.
He rejected the 2021 results which he lost to Museveni, but claimed his victory had been stolen through ballot stuffing, intimidation by security forces, and other irregularities.
In denying using security forces to maintain his grip on power, Museveni said his long rule is due to popular support from the people of Uganda.
