The Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court has declined to grant mandatory bail to opposition leader Col (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale, and Capt. Denis Oola, citing lack of jurisdiction.

Presiding magistrate Christine Nantege ruled on Wednesday that the authority to grant mandatory bail lies exclusively with the High Court, advising the defense team to pursue their application there.

“This court does not have jurisdiction to grant mandatory bail. The applicants are advised to seek redress before the High Court,” Chief Magistrate Nantege ruled.

The decision comes despite arguments from the defense team that Dr. Besigye and Mr. Lutale have been on remand for more than six months, which qualifies them for mandatory release under Article 23(6) (b) of the Constitution of Uganda.

The trio was first arrested in November 2024, with Dr. Besigye picked up from Nairobi, Kenya, where he had traveled to attend an event hosted by Kenyan politician Martha Karua. The accused face treason related charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm.

The case initially originated in the General Court Martial under file number UPDF GCM/040/2024, before being transferred to the civilian courts.

In April 2025, the same court had previously denied the accused bail, citing the gravity of the charges and the ongoing nature of investigations.

Following the latest ruling, defense lawyers said they would now petition the High Court in a renewed effort to secure the release of the detained trio.

The prolonged detention of Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and vocal government critic continues to raise concerns among human rights activists and opposition supporters, who view the case as politically motivated.