KAMPALA, Uganda | Four-time presidential candidate and jailed opposition politician Dr Kiiza Besigye, together with his co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutaale, have submitted a second bail application after their first application was dismissed by the High Court on April 11, 2025.

Justice Rossette Comfort Kania acknowledged that the applicants met the legal criteria for bail but declined to grant it, citing the gravity of the offences, the international scope of the alleged conspiracy, and the potential to interfere with ongoing investigations, thereby prioritising national security and the interests of justice.

Through their lawyers of Lukwago and Company Advocates have submitted a new application for bail to the High Court. In their fresh application, defence lawyers presented new arguments in their latest quest for a bail grant for the two individuals who were charged since February 2025 with treason and misprision of treason for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the Ugandan government across various jurisdictions, including Uganda, Kenya, Greece, and Switzerland.

“The applicants have no capacity to be and are not a threat to any investigative or other process and are willing to appear before this Honourable Court for mention or trial as and when required once released on bail. The antecedents of the applicants demonstrate their respect for the law and for any bail processes they have benefitted from,” reads part of the application.

They also informed the court that the applicants are of advanced age and have substantial sureties who are willing to ensure compliance with bail conditions once the applicants are released on bail. ” It is fair and just that the applicants are admitted to bail and released accordingly.”

“I am also a former Minister of State for Internal Affairs, former National Political Commissar, former Commandant of the Masaka Mechanised Regiment and a delegate in the Constituent Assembly that debated the draft Constitution of Uganda which was eventually promulgated in September 1995. I have also been the President of the Forum for Democratic Change and currently am a member of the Peoples Front for Freedom, a new political party under formation,” Besigye’s affidavit reads.

In his affidavit, Besigye further states that ”I am a responsible citizen of Uganda, who has always advocated for and pursued peaceful and wholly non-violent means to ensure that Uganda is governed in accordance with the law and the constitutional dictates. As a citizen of Uganda, I am entitled to enjoy all rights accorded to citizens as well as participate in all lawful activities as an individual and as a leader, including within the political formation to which I belong and to whose ideology I subscribe.