KAMPALA, Uganda The Director of Public Prosecutions has opposed the bail application for Dr Kiiza Besigye and Obeid Lutale, arguing that the sureties are not substantial enough to guarantee their appearance. The opposition to bail is contained in the submissions that have been submitted to Lady Justice Rosette Comfort Kania ahead of the ruling on the 11th of April 2025 to decide on whether to release them or not pending trial on treason and misprision of treason charges against them.

In the submissions draughted by Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka on behalf of the DPP, the prosecution has questioned the age and authority of the sureties, stating that they are younger than the applicants and lack the necessary influence to compel them to appear in court.

In his application, Besigye presented legislators Ibrahim Semujju Nganda, the Kira Municipality MP; Tonny Muhindo, MP; Tonny Bukonzo; Francis Mwijukye of Buhweju; and Nicholas Kamara , the Kabaale Municipality MP. On the other hand, Hajji Obeid Lutaale presented his wife, Halima Nagitta; his brother, Ssewankabo Hamza; and his daughter, Nanfuka Zura, as his sureties.

However, in their submissions, the prosecution also highlighted that the sureties failed to provide proof of financial capability, such as bank statements, to meet the terms of the bond. The prosecution also pointed out that one of the sureties , MP Ssemujju, has pending charges against him, which raises concerns about his suitability as a surety, which could interfere with investigations and witnesses.

The prosecution also emphasises that the offences with which the applicants are charged are serious and impact national security, making it likely that they will abscond from bail if granted. The prosecution urged the court to dismiss the bail application, citing the need to balance the applicant’s rights with the interests of society at large.

However, Besigye and Lutaale argue that they should be released from prison since the Supreme Court’s decision nullified the military court’s power to try them; they had been charged in Makindye military court before the DPP took over proceedings and levied fresh charges against them following their initial arrest from the neighbouring Nairobi, Kenya.

Beisgye and Lutaale are jointly charged with UPDF officer Captain Denis Oola. The prosecution alleges that the trio, while in Switzerland, Athens in Greece , Nairobi, Kenya, and Kampala, Uganda, solicited firearms and logistical financial support and attended the meeting to overthrow the current government of Uganda.