KAMPALA. The High Court i Court Judge Dr. Douglas Singiza on the Col. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Kamulegeya case seeking freedom from prison arguing that events and was therefore moot, as the applicants had already been charged at Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on February 21, 2025.
Besigye, Lutaale, and Captain Denis Oola were remanded until March 7, 2025, as investigations into charges of treason and misprision of treason continue. Prosecutors allege that the trio, while in various cities including Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece, Nairobi in Kenya, and Kampala in Uganda, solicited firearms and financial support and attended meetings with the intent to overthrow the Ugandan government.
Besigye and Lutaale argued that they were being held in illegal detention without valid remand warrants since the Supreme Court’s decision nullified the military court’s power to try them. However, Judge Singiza ruled that the court must take judicial notice of the proceedings where the applicants were formally charged and remanded under Section 56 of the Evidence Act.
In his ruling, Judge Singiza also addressed the personal attacks he faced on social media, stating that while some insults may be tolerable as fair comments, others, including cartoon drawings depicting him as a Nazi judge, were unacceptable and could amount to criminal prejudice. He reaffirmed the judiciary’s independence and urged those engaging in such behavior to reflect on their conduct and stop it.
Besigye and Lutaale’s application was argued by their lawyers, led by Erias Lukwago, Ernest Kalibala, Medard Lubega Sseggona, and Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa, but was ultimately dismissed. State Attorneys Johnson Natuhwera and Jackie Amusugut represented the government and argued that Besigye and Lutaale were legally detained in Luzira Prison. They explained that the government had already begun implementing the Supreme Court’s decision to transfer files from military to civilian courts.
The government initiated the Supreme Court’s orders on February 3, 2025, by sending letters to the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MoDVA), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice appointed the Principal Judge, Dr. Flavian Zeija, as the liaison contact to handle all matters related to the transfer of files. The Attorney General’s Chambers received a draft decree from former MP Kabaziguruka’s lawyers on February 13, 2025, which was eventually issued on February 18, 2025.
Despite the legal proceedings and government actions, the trio, including Captain Oola, remains in custody as investigations into the charges against them continue. The ruling by the High Court underscores the importance of following due process and respecting the decisions of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law.
About the author
London: A Black Pride Haven
BY JAMES KABENGWA. LONDON. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was Sunday filled with the vibrant energy of UK Black Pride- celebrating its 20th anniversary. It brought together LGBTQ+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American, and Middle Eastern descent joined by their other global enthusiasts and members. Among the thousands of attendees were many Ugandans who have found refuge and peace in the UK. For these individuals, the event was more than a celebration. It was a powerful act of defiance. It stood in stark contrast to the realities of their home country, Uganda, where a draconian Anti-Homosexuality Act was passed in 2023. This law includes severe penalties, with "aggravated homosexuality" punishable by death and other consensual same-sex acts by life imprisonment. The legislation criminalizes virtually every aspect of LGBTQ+ life, including advocacy and support for the community. Uganda is one […]
Uganda and Nigeria Forge Anti-Graft Alliance to Boost Trade
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Ambassador John Shama Shaga, has met with the head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig Gen Henry Isoke, to discuss a joint effort to combat fraud. The collaboration is aimed at creating a safer investment environment and boosting bilateral trade between the two nations, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Three Charged in Cattle Compensation Scandal
KAMPALA. Three suspects, including a politician and a UPDF soldier, have been charged with the theft of over UGX 1.5 billion from a government cattle compensation program in Uganda's Otuke District. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) announced the arraignment of the trio before the Otuke Magistrate’s Court following a joint investigation with the CID and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The accused are identified as Akasa Jimmy Mokili, a politician; Okengo Jaspher, an LCIII Chairperson; and Sgt. Amoni Benz of the UPDF. According to reports from the Daily Secrets, this is part of a larger criminal scheme targeting vulnerable, often elderly, beneficiaries who lost livestock during the LRA insurgency and Karamoja cattle raids. The conspirators allegedly manipulated the bank account registration process, gaining access to victims' funds and either stealing the money outright or giving […]
Uganda Election Turmoil Looms: Warnings Abound
By RICHARD KIZZA LUGOBWA LONDON - As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, concerns over the integrity of the electoral process are intensifying following widespread malpractice during the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries last month. The primaries, held to select party flagbearers for parliamentary and local government positions, were marred by irregularities triggering a wave of concern across the political and civic landscape. Critics, civil society organizations, opposition politicians and observers fear that the widespread irregularities are a warning sign of deeper systemic electoral failures that undermine the credibility of next year's national polls likely to plunge the country into political turmoil. Multiple reports from civil society organizations, independent monitors, and local media have documented instances of ballot stuffing, partisan behavior by state institutions, voter intimidation, bribery, and violence during the NRM primaries. In numerous districts, party officials […]
Vitol, UNOC now accused of failure to protect petroleum products from adulteration, siphoning
In the wake of accusations of supply of adulterated petroleum products, now Uganda National Oil Company and VITOL Energy Limited are being accused of failure to protect fuel trucks from siphoning. Recent videos and images circulating on various social media platforms show individuals siphoning fuel from moving trucks within the city, an act which analysts say could spark deadly disasters. This newspaper understands that Uganda has in the past witnessed deadly accidents where people who tried to siphon fuel were killed when the fuel caught fire. Hotspots for fuel siphoning include Busia, Jinja, and Banda as well as Northern Bypass and Namuwongo area. Kampala police spokesperson Patrick Onyango told this newspaper they were investigating cases of fuel siphoning in the said areas. He warned those involved of severe punishment once arrested. VITOL-UNOC deal Vitol Energy partnered with the Uganda National […]
Why King Caesar Mulenga camp should go slow on shs1.8b entrepreneurship camp
KAMPALA: The ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) Entrepreneurs League elections have been marred by controversy, particularly surrounding claims made by the Ceasor Mulenga camp. According to sources, Mulenga's team has been spreading false information about injecting shs1.8b into the Entrepreneurs League SACCO. The Truth Behind the Claims A thorough investigation has revealed that these claims are entirely baseless. There is no evidence to suggest that Mulenga or his team has deposited any funds, let alone shs1.8 billion, into the SACCO. This lack of financial commitment raises serious questions about the credibility of Mulenga's campaign promises as he vies for the position of Chairman of the NRM Entrepreneurs League. Furthermore, when the Buganda and Kampala NRM SACCOs requested that Mulenga deposits funds into their accounts, he avoided doing so. According to Al Hajj Karim Karamagi, the contestant for CEC's Vice Chairman […]
Related
London: A Black Pride Haven
BY JAMES KABENGWA. LONDON. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was Sunday filled with the vibrant energy of UK Black Pride- celebrating its 20th anniversary. It brought together LGBTQ+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American, and Middle Eastern descent joined by their other global enthusiasts and members. Among the thousands of attendees were many Ugandans who have found refuge and peace in the UK. For these individuals, the event was more than a celebration. It was a powerful act of defiance. It stood in stark contrast to the realities of their home country, Uganda, where a draconian Anti-Homosexuality Act was passed in 2023. This law includes severe penalties, with "aggravated homosexuality" punishable by death and other consensual same-sex acts by life imprisonment. The legislation criminalizes virtually every aspect of LGBTQ+ life, including advocacy and support for the community. Uganda is one […]
Uganda and Nigeria Forge Anti-Graft Alliance to Boost Trade
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Ambassador John Shama Shaga, has met with the head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig Gen Henry Isoke, to discuss a joint effort to combat fraud. The collaboration is aimed at creating a safer investment environment and boosting bilateral trade between the two nations, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Three Charged in Cattle Compensation Scandal
KAMPALA. Three suspects, including a politician and a UPDF soldier, have been charged with the theft of over UGX 1.5 billion from a government cattle compensation program in Uganda's Otuke District. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) announced the arraignment of the trio before the Otuke Magistrate’s Court following a joint investigation with the CID and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The accused are identified as Akasa Jimmy Mokili, a politician; Okengo Jaspher, an LCIII Chairperson; and Sgt. Amoni Benz of the UPDF. According to reports from the Daily Secrets, this is part of a larger criminal scheme targeting vulnerable, often elderly, beneficiaries who lost livestock during the LRA insurgency and Karamoja cattle raids. The conspirators allegedly manipulated the bank account registration process, gaining access to victims' funds and either stealing the money outright or giving […]
Uganda Election Turmoil Looms: Warnings Abound
By RICHARD KIZZA LUGOBWA LONDON - As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, concerns over the integrity of the electoral process are intensifying following widespread malpractice during the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries last month. The primaries, held to select party flagbearers for parliamentary and local government positions, were marred by irregularities triggering a wave of concern across the political and civic landscape. Critics, civil society organizations, opposition politicians and observers fear that the widespread irregularities are a warning sign of deeper systemic electoral failures that undermine the credibility of next year's national polls likely to plunge the country into political turmoil. Multiple reports from civil society organizations, independent monitors, and local media have documented instances of ballot stuffing, partisan behavior by state institutions, voter intimidation, bribery, and violence during the NRM primaries. In numerous districts, party officials […]
Vitol, UNOC now accused of failure to protect petroleum products from adulteration, siphoning
In the wake of accusations of supply of adulterated petroleum products, now Uganda National Oil Company and VITOL Energy Limited are being accused of failure to protect fuel trucks from siphoning. Recent videos and images circulating on various social media platforms show individuals siphoning fuel from moving trucks within the city, an act which analysts say could spark deadly disasters. This newspaper understands that Uganda has in the past witnessed deadly accidents where people who tried to siphon fuel were killed when the fuel caught fire. Hotspots for fuel siphoning include Busia, Jinja, and Banda as well as Northern Bypass and Namuwongo area. Kampala police spokesperson Patrick Onyango told this newspaper they were investigating cases of fuel siphoning in the said areas. He warned those involved of severe punishment once arrested. VITOL-UNOC deal Vitol Energy partnered with the Uganda National […]
Why King Caesar Mulenga camp should go slow on shs1.8b entrepreneurship camp
KAMPALA: The ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) Entrepreneurs League elections have been marred by controversy, particularly surrounding claims made by the Ceasor Mulenga camp. According to sources, Mulenga's team has been spreading false information about injecting shs1.8b into the Entrepreneurs League SACCO. The Truth Behind the Claims A thorough investigation has revealed that these claims are entirely baseless. There is no evidence to suggest that Mulenga or his team has deposited any funds, let alone shs1.8 billion, into the SACCO. This lack of financial commitment raises serious questions about the credibility of Mulenga's campaign promises as he vies for the position of Chairman of the NRM Entrepreneurs League. Furthermore, when the Buganda and Kampala NRM SACCOs requested that Mulenga deposits funds into their accounts, he avoided doing so. According to Al Hajj Karim Karamagi, the contestant for CEC's Vice Chairman […]