Erias Lukwago, President of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and lead attorney for Dr. Kizza Besigye, has called for the immediate dismissal of treason charges brought against his client. Speaking at a press briefing held at Katonga, Lukwago argued that the state’s case has collapsed in light of the judicial precedent set by the Kisumu-36 ruling.
“We commend Justice Susan Okalana for setting a groundbreaking precedent,” Lukwago declared. “In the Kisumu-36 ruling, it was established that if the prosecution fails to present evidence or file committal papers within six months, the accused must be released. This represents a turning point in Uganda’s legal landscape.”
The charges against Besigye include accusations of allegedly commissioning 36 individuals for terrorist training in Kisumu, Kenya. However, Lukwago pointed out that the state has not substantiated this claim.
“With the central claim in the charge sheet now unsupported, the entire case has lost credibility,” he said. “This is nothing more than a politically motivated effort to suppress opposition voices. These are fabricated charges designed to intimidate and silence.”
Dr. Besigye and Obed Lutale have been in detention since November 16, 2023. Lukwago noted that, despite the passage of several months, no substantial evidence has been produced.
A bail application for Besigye was submitted on April 17, but remains unaddressed by Justice Baguma. Lukwago reminded the judiciary that bail is a constitutional right, regardless of the nature of the charges.
“We are demanding swift action from the judiciary. To date, not a shred of evidence has been presented. This delay amounts to a denial of justice,” Lukwago said.
He further revealed that the legal team, under the leadership of prominent Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, is preparing to escalate the matter to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Lukwago stated, “We’re working with legal experts to tackle this wider pattern of political persecution—not just in Uganda, but across the region. We see similar cases in Tanzania involving Tundu Lissu, in the DRC with former President Kabila, and ongoing kidnappings in Kenya.”
Should Uganda’s legal system continue to stall, Lukwago pledged to pursue justice through the East African Court of Justice, in collaboration with regional human rights organizations that engage in strategic public interest litigation.
