Opposition stalwart Col (Rtd) Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale will remain behind bars this Christmas after the High Court deferred a key ruling in their treason case.
The Criminal Division of the High Court has postponed its decision on applications seeking to halt the treason trial and grant the two bail, pushing the ruling to December 29, 2025.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma had earlier indicated that the ruling would be delivered via email on December 23 at 11:00am. However, the court later changed course, notifying parties through an official letter that the decision was not ready.
In a letter signed by Assistant Registrar Ssalaamu Godfrey Ngobi, the court informed lawyers on both sides that the ruling will now be delivered physically in open court on December 29 at 11:00am.
Justice Baguma also ordered that production warrants be issued to ensure Besigye and Lutale are brought from prison to attend the ruling.
The postponed decision follows submissions on applications by the two accused seeking a stay of their treason trial pending the determination of a constitutional petition, and bail in the meantime.
Their defence team, led by Ernest Kalibaala and backed by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, senior counsel Martha Karua and Fredrick Mpanga, argued that proceeding with the trial before the Constitutional Court settles key issues would violate the accused’s right to a fair hearing.
Besigye and Lutale were arrested on November 16, 2024, in Nairobi and later charged with treason a case they have been fighting since.
For now, the two will mark yet another festive season behind bars as they await the court’s ruling next week. Stay tuned for updates as the case unfolds.
