Summary:
- According to Court Registrar Kintu Simon Zirintusa, the High Court will hear a habeas corpus application filed by Dr. Besigye’s lawyers, seeking his unconditional release from Luzira Prison.
KAMPALA: The Four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, who remains incarcerated, is expected to appear before the High Court Civil Division in Kampala today (Wednesday) at 9:00 AM.
According to Court Registrar Kintu Simon Zirintusa, the High Court will hear a habeas corpus application filed by Dr. Besigye’s lawyers, seeking his unconditional release from Luzira Prison.
This legal move follows a petition filed on February 5, 2025, by Besigye’s legal team, led by Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, requesting the release of both Besigye and his colleague, Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya. The petition was prompted by a Supreme Court ruling that declared the Court Martial lacked jurisdiction over civilians, effectively nullifying the charges against Besigye and Lutale.
The lawyers are also seeking a court order compelling the Attorney General and the Commissioner General of Prisons to explain why Besigye and Lutale remain in detention despite the Supreme Court’s ruling. On the same date, the court will hear a similar application regarding jailed human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza.
Kiiza was sentenced to nine months by the Court Martial for contempt of court. He has since petitioned the High Court for unconditional release, contesting the military tribunal’s decision.
These proceedings come after weeks of delay by Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka in signing the decree for Besigye’s habeas corpus application—a crucial step in the legal process to secure his release. Lukwago, who has repeatedly accused the government of obstructing justice, welcomed the court’s involvement but expressed frustration over the prolonged process.
Lukwago previously criticized the Attorney General for deliberate procrastination, alleging that Besigye’s detention was politically motivated. With the decree now signed, Besigye’s legal team swiftly served it to the Commissioner General of Prisons and filed it before Justice Singiza.
The decree’s signing follows months of legal battles, during which Lukwago’s team successfully challenged the General Court Martial’s jurisdiction, leading to its removal from the case.
