A Ugandan court on Friday denied bail to leading opposition figure Kizza Besigye and another defendant, with the judge citing the heavy charges they face and the ongoing investigation.
Besigye, 68, is a leading opponent of President Yoweri Museveni -- in power for nearly 40 years -- and was abducted from Kenya in November to face treason charges at home.
The United Nations and rights organisations have expressed growing concern about the suppression of Uganda's opposition in the run-up to presidential elections in 2026. "Although all grounds for bail are met.
The applications for bail are denied," High Court Judge Rosette Comfort Kania ruled Friday. "The investigations are ongoing and the applicants may fall prey to the temptation of interfering with those investigations" she said, adding the charges related to national security.
