Judge Emmanuel Baguma clarified on Friday that the 180-day period, after which bail is obligatory, commenced on February 21 when Besigye was remanded to a civilian court—implying he falls short by 12 days from the necessary period for automatic bail.
Besigye’s legal representatives have argued for his unconditional release, citing his incarceration for over 180 days without the initiation of his trial.
The case has set off alarm bells among government detractors, including opposition leader Bobi Wine and human rights organizations, questioning a potential crackdown before the Uganda’s national polls early next year, where the 80-year-old President Yoweri Museveni is in pursuit of another term.
The authorities have rebutted allegations of targeting opposition figures, insisting that those in custody are there due to criminal activities.
A History of Four Defeated Elections
Besigye, once an ally and Museveni’s personal physician, has contested the President in four electoral battles.
Though defeated in all of them, Besigye has persistently declined the results claiming electoral fraud and intimidation of voters. His candidacy for the upcoming election remains undeclared.
Throughout the years, Besigye has faced multiple arrests, including in 2022 on accusations of inciting violence.
After being controversially returned from Kenya in November last year, Besigye was initially subject to a military trial before his case was moved to a civilian court following concerns over his health.
