Uganda: Kizza Besigye's lawyer denied bail

Erias Lukwago, a politician and lawyer, appeared in court last week and was charged with failing to report a treason-related plot hatched in neighbouring Kenya between 2021-2024, the prosecution said.

He faces up to life imprisonment if convicted.

Lukwago represents one of President Yoweri Museveni's chief rivals, Kizza Besigye, who has been jailed on treason charges since being abducted in Kenya and forcibly returned to Uganda in late 2024.

The prosecution said Lukwago's case had been joined with that of his client, Besigye.

Lukwago denied the charges, telling the court: "I am the one who has been counsel in that case. How could I be counsel in a case I am involved in?"

His lawyers had requested bail on medical grounds, but a judge denied the request, according to the ruling seen by AFP on Tuesday.

She ordered Lukwago be taken to hospital within 24 hours for a "full medical evaluation" and possible treatment.

Lukwago's family said he was abducted by security forces last week.

The powerful army chief, and son of the president, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, then posted pictures of him blindfolded in an unknown location.

"I'm proud of ALL the hurt and pain I will inflict on the CRIMINAL LUKWAGO!" he told his 1.3 million followers on X.

The army chief is known for his provocative online posts and has boasted of abducting and torturing opposition figures in the past.

Lukwago's lawyer, Medard Ssegona, told reporters that his client had been subjected to "physical torture," without elaborating.

His "health situation is not any better. It gets worse day by day," he said.

His other lawyer, Martha Karua, said on Monday that she was arrested and deported when she arrived in Uganda to support her client.

The army chief posted on X that "I deported her myself. She's no longer allowed in our country."