Case has raised considerations amongst authorities critics a few crackdown forward of Uganda’s nationwide election early subsequent yr.
A Ugandan choose has refused to grant bail to veteran opposition determine Kizza Besigye, who has been in jail for practically 9 months on treason costs.
Choose Emmanuel Baguma stated on Friday that the 180-day most interval earlier than obligatory bail is granted solely started when he was remanded within the civilian court docket on February 21, which suggests he falls brief by 12 days to satisfy the necessities to safe bail.
His attorneys argued he must be routinely launched on bail as a result of he has spent greater than 180 days in jail with out his trial beginning.
The case has raised considerations amongst authorities critics, together with opposition chief Bobi Wine and rights teams, a few crackdown forward of Uganda’s nationwide election early subsequent yr by which President Yoweri Museveni, 80, is in search of re-election.
The federal government denies concentrating on opposition figures and says all those that have been detained have dedicated crimes.
4 elections misplaced
A former ally and private doctor of Museveni, Besigye has stood in opposition to the incumbent chief in 4 elections.
He misplaced all of the elections however rejected the outcomes and alleged fraud and voter intimidation. Besigye has not stated whether or not he’s working once more.
Besigye has been arrested quite a few occasions over time, together with in 2022 on costs of inciting violence.
Besigye, who denies any wrongdoing, was forcefully returned to Uganda from neighbouring Kenya in November final yr, and initially charged in a army tribunal, earlier than his case was transferred to a civilian court docket.