Bail for Besigye
2006-01-02 19:40
Kampala - A Ugandan High Court judge on Monday ordered the immediate release on bail of jailed opposition leader Kizza Besigye, ruling that his continued detention despite an earlier similar order was illegal.
Justice John Bosco Katutsi, who was presiding over Besigye's criminal trials on rape and treason charges, said the state must comply with a November High Court decision that granted Besigye bail and suspended proceedings against him before a military tribunal.
Besigye, who was seen as the main rival to President Yoweri Museveni in elections next month, had denied all charges against him and said they were politically motivated.
Katutsi said: "The accused should be released forthwith unless he is being held on other charges."
He spoke as he ruled on a defence motion that sought to force the government to release Besigye pending completion of his High Court rape and treason trials.
- AFP