“At 68, he has spent over 180 days in Luzira without trial. He is entitled to and has applied for mandatory bail. The NRM government is using every trick to block it,” Byanyima appealed to President Museveni to ensure justice for her husband, his friend Obed, and other political prisoners detained for months and years without trial. Winnie Says she is asking for justice, not forgiveness and credited her husband Dr. Kizza as a law-abiding Ugandan who has served this country with courage and integrity.
Winnie Byanyima, wife of politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and Executive Director of UNAIDS expressed frustration and disappointment in a video after her husband and co-accused Hajji Lutale were over repeatedly denied bail despite being imprisoned for over 180 days without trial.
Dr. Besigye and Hajji Lutale were remanded by a military court following their alleged abduction and deportation from Nairobi in November 2024. The Supreme Court later halted civilian trials in military courts, transferring their case to a Magistrate’s Court. They face charges of plotting to assassinate President Museveni using drones, introducing counterfeit currency, and planning attacks on security installations.
The Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court under Magistrate Christine Nantege declined to release Besigye and Obed on Bail citing that the power to grant bail in Capital Offences now lies with the High Court due to 2022 bail guidelines. This ruling has sparked controversy as Besigye’s lawyers argue the Magistrate’s refusal to transfer the case file to the High Court for a Bail hearing is a denial of due process.
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