Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has said opposition figures Dr Kizza Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago will never be released on bail as they face separate legal proceedings.In a post on X on September 15, 2026, Muhoozi wrote: “Besigye and Lukwago will never get bail. They will pay for their crimes!”Besigye has been in detention since his arrest in Kenya in November 2024 and is facing treason charges alongside his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya.
Both have denied the allegations.Lukwago, who has also served as Besigye’s lawyer, was arrested in June 2026 and charged with misprision of treason. Prosecutors allege that he knew about an alleged treason plot involving Besigye and others but failed to report it. Lukwago has denied the charge.Muhoozi’s statement, however, does not determine their eligibility for bail.
Under Ugandan law, bail is determined by the courts, which consider factors including the charges, likelihood of appearing for trial and proposed sureties.The cases have attracted widespread attention, with Besigye’s family and lawyers also raising concerns about his health and calling for specialised medical treatment.The allegations against both men remain subject to determination by the courts.
