Uganda: Besigye's New Bail Hearing Fixed for September 9

26 August 2025

The High Court has set September 9, 2025, to hear a fresh bail application filed by jailed veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide Hajji Obeid Lutale.

The hearing was postponed after Besigye's legal team informed the court that they needed more time to consult with their client at Luzira Prison.

Appearing before Justice Emmanuel Baguma, lawyer Frederick Mpanga explained that proceedings could not continue without instructions from Besigye.

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"My colleague, Counsel Ernest Kalibbala, is currently at Luzira Prison attending to the applicants. We need their clear guidance before we proceed," Mpanga told the court.

The prosecution was represented by Assistant DPP Thomas Jatikho.

The development comes amid rising tension between Besigye and Justice Baguma. The former FDC leader has previously accused the judge of bias and formally applied for his recusal from handling his cases, including the treason trial scheduled for September 1.

However, Justice Baguma rejected the request, stating that the reasons advanced by Besigye's lawyers lacked substance.

"What counsel Erias Lukwago and his clients call bias is a mere figment of their imagination. This court cannot base its decision on speculation," the judge ruled, dismissing the recusal application.

He directed Besigye's legal team to appear before him to agree on how to proceed with the new bail application, now fixed for hearing on September 9, 2025.

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