Date: July 17, 2025
Location: Toronto / Kampala
Nine months later, justice is still being denied.
Who Are Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale?
Dr. Kizza Besigye is a respected physician, four-time presidential candidate, and long-time opposition leader in Uganda. He has been repeatedly arrested, tortured, and targeted for challenging President Museveni’s decades-long rule.
Obeid Lutale is a political activist and outspoken advocate for democratic governance and human rights. He has been part of multiple civil society campaigns demanding accountability, rule of law, and electoral reforms in Uganda.
How It Started: Arrests and Charges
In late 2024, both Besigye and Lutale were arrested along with several other opposition figures following their involvement in peaceful protests demanding economic reforms and democratic space ahead of the 2026 elections. The government accused them of inciting violence, illegal assembly, and “subversion.”
Despite lacking credible evidence, authorities held them without formal charges for weeks. When finally arraigned in court, the charges were broad and vague—part of a familiar pattern used to suppress dissent.
A Broken Justice System: Court Denials and Delays
Since their arrest, multiple bail applications have been filed. Judges acknowledged that all bail conditions were met. Yet, no release has been granted.
The law in Uganda provides for mandatory bail after 180 days in pre-trial detention. They have now been imprisoned for over 270 days without a single trial date being honored.
Today’s court hearing was canceled without cause. Judicial officers simply “did not appear.” Their legal team, including lawyers who flew from Nairobi, were left stranded—with no explanation.
This is not bureaucracy. This is impunity in action.
Using court delays and arbitrary rulings, the Ugandan state is weaponizing the justice system to keep opposition leaders silent and detained indefinitely—without trial, without transparency, and without legal justification.
What We Demand
- 📜 Immediate release on bail for Dr. Kizza Besigye, Obeid Lutale, and all affected detainees.
- ⚖️ An end to politically motivated detention and legal persecution.
- ⏱ Enforcement of the constitutional right to a speedy and fair trial.
Regional and Global Implications
This case is not isolated. It reflects a growing regional trend of authoritarian repression through the courts. The silence of East African governments and continental bodies has emboldened these abuses.
Regional solidarity and international pressure are critical to protecting rights defenders and restoring judicial integrity.
Stand with Us. Speak Out.
The Resurgence Network for Human Rights urges lawyers, journalists, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens across Africa and beyond to raise their voices. Justice delayed is justice denied.
📢 Join the Campaign. Share the Message. Demand Justice.
#FreeAllPoliticalPrisonersUG
#GrantDrKiizaBesigyeBail
#GrantObeidLutaleBail
#EndJudicialImpunity
#ResurgenceForJustice
#HumanRightsUnderAttack