The High Court in Kampala has dismissed an application seeking the release of Retired Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, from prison.
High Court Judge Douglas Singiza ruled that the application was "overtaken by events" and therefore moot, as Besigye and Lutale were formally charged on February 21, 2025, at the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court.
The duo had requested their release following a Supreme Court ruling that banned the trial of civilians in military courts. However, Judge Singiza reaffirmed that their formal charging at Nakawa Court meant their detention was lawful.
Besigye, Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola are facing charges of treason and misprision of treason, which involves the deliberate concealment of knowledge about an act of treason without reporting it to the authorities.
Prosecutors allege that the three solicited firearms, financial support, and attended meetings with the intention of overthrowing Uganda's government.
The defense team, led by prominent lawyers, argued unsuccessfully for Besigye and Lutaale's release, while State Attorneys maintained that the two were being lawfully held at Luzira Prison.
The Attorney General's office confirmed that the process of transferring files from military to civilian courts began on February 3, 2025.
Judge Singiza also addressed personal attacks made against him on social media, condemning certain offensive remarks and dismissing allegations of bias as baseless and harmful to his integrity. Dr. Besigye ended a weeklong hunger strike following his formal arraignment before a civil court.
