Dr. Kizza Besigye, the prominent opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate, made his first physical appearance at Buganda Road Court on February 14, 2025, after months of detention. His reappearance follows a Supreme Court ruling that heightened anticipation regarding his legal status. Besigye, whose health has been deteriorating, appeared frail and struggled to stand for extended periods. He was given a stool in the dock as his lawyer, Erias Lukwago, raised serious concerns about his ongoing detention, which has persisted since November 2024.
Besigye’s detention stems from a military court order, not from the case for which he was scheduled to appear in court that day. His legal team contends that his prolonged incarceration, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, violates his constitutional rights. Lukwago called for an immediate address of human rights violations, particularly his client’s prolonged detention without a legal warrant. He also emphasized the deprivation of Besigye’s liberty in contradiction with Article 22 of the Constitution.
The prosecution argued that the Supreme Court ruling did not directly mandate Besigye’s release, asserting that the State was still within a 14-day window to take action. The matter was adjourned by Magistrate Winnie Nankya, who scheduled the next hearing for February 20, 2025, leaving Besigye’s fate in limbo as the court continues to deliberate.