Uganda Opposition Leader Besigye Denied Bail, Sparking Outcry Ahead of 2026 Elections
KAMPALA – A Ugandan court has denied bail to opposition leader Kizza Besigye, intensifying concerns from government critics, rights groups, and political opponents over an alleged crackdown ahead of the country’s national elections early next year. President Yoweri Museveni, 80, is seeking re-election, while opposition figures accuse the government of using the justice system to silence dissent.
Besigye, a former ally and personal physician to Museveni turned political rival, has run against the president in four past elections, losing each time. He has not declared whether he will run again. His political career has been marked by frequent arrests, with the latest case drawing widespread condemnation.
The veteran opposition leader was forcefully returned to Uganda from neighboring Kenya in November last year, initially charged before a military tribunal, and later transferred to a civilian court. His legal team argued that Besigye should automatically be released on bail, citing a constitutional provision that mandates bail after 180 days in detention without trial.
However, Judge Emmanuel Baguma ruled on Friday that the 180-day period began only when Besigye was remanded by the civilian court on 21 February, meaning he falls 12 days short of qualifying for mandatory bail. The court’s interpretation has drawn sharp criticism.
Erias Lukwago, one of Besigye’s lawyers, called the decision “absurd” and a “miscarriage of justice,” accusing the court of disregarding the period Besigye had already spent in detention since November. Another defence lawyer, Eron Kiiza, said the ruling was expected, claiming there is a “total breakdown in the constitutional order” in Uganda.
Rights groups have linked Besigye’s ongoing detention and treason charges to political maneuvering ahead of the January elections, warning that the case reflects a broader pattern of repression against government critics. The Ugandan government denies targeting opposition figures, insisting that those detained have committed crimes.
As the election approaches, Besigye’s case has become a rallying point for opposition supporters, raising questions about judicial independence and the state of democracy in the country.
📌 Author: Mangwa
📍 Read more: mecamediaafrica.com
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