Ugandan judge has refused to grant bail veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye, who has been in jail for almost nine months on treason charges.
The case has raised concerns among government critics, including opposition leader Bobi Wine and rights groups, about a crackdown ahead of Uganda’s national election early next year.
However, the government has denied targeting opposition figures and claimed all those who have been detained have committed crimes.
Besigye, who denies any wrongdoing, was forcefully returned to Uganda from Kenya in November 2024 and initially charged in a military tribunal, before his case was transferred to a civilian court.
His lawyers argued he should be released on bail because he has spent more than 180 days in jail without his trial starting.
Judge Emmanuel Baguma said the 180-day maximum period before mandatory bail is granted only began when he was remanded in the civilian court on February 21, which means he falls short by 12 days in order to secure bail.
