A Ugandan court on Friday denied bail to prominent opposition figure Kizza Besigye and another defendant.
High Court Judge Rosette Comfort Kania cited the serious charges and ongoing investigations as reasons for the denial.
Besigye, a key opponent of President Yoweri Museveni, has been in custody for over 140 days.
He was reportedly abducted from Kenya in November and faces treason charges.
The United Nations and rights groups have voiced increasing alarm over the suppression of Uganda’s opposition ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.
Despite acknowledging that all bail conditions were met, the judge ruled against release.
She expressed concerns that the applicants might interfere with the continuing investigations, noting the national security implications of the charges. No future court date has been scheduled in this case.
Defense lawyer Erias Lukwago questioned the court’s decision after the judge admitted the bail conditions were satisfied.
He vowed to continue the legal battle to secure the release of Besigye and his ally, Obeid Lutale.
The government had initially sought a military trial but later transferred the case to a civilian court.
Besigye, once President Museveni’s physician, became an opposition figure 25 years ago and has unsuccessfully run for president four times.
