Opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye is expected to appear before the High Court of Uganda today (Tuesday) alongside his political ally Hajj Obed Lutale, amid mounting political tensions over his continued detention and deteriorating health.
The court session comes one day after a planned prayer mass for Besigye at Lubaga Cathedral was abruptly cancelled.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, told reporters in Kampala on Monday that Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere informed her the service was halted following a direct call from President Yoweri Museveni.
“I was called here yesterday by the Archbishop His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, and he told me that he had received a call from President Museveni asking him to cancel the mass,” Byanyima said.
According to Byanyima, the Archbishop explained that the mass aligned with Catholic tradition during Lent and was intended as prayers for a family intention and for other prisoners.
Museveni reportedly asked that the service be postponed and that the intentions behind it be investigated, suspecting political motives.
“So, we are here, unable to have the mass that we wanted because of the order of our president,” Byanyima stated.
Besigye, a former personal physician to Museveni and one of his longest-standing political rivals, has been in detention since November 2024.
He and Lutale were arrested in Nairobi and renditioned to Uganda, where they were initially charged before a military court.
Following the Supreme Court’s January 31, 2025 ruling declaring the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional, their case was transferred to the civilian High Court.
The pair now face treason-related charges.
Prosecutors allege they were involved in activities aimed at overthrowing the government by force—claims both men have strongly denied as politically motivated.
Besigye, who last contested the presidency in 2016, has consistently described the charges and his detention as part of a pattern of state harassment aimed at silencing opposition voices.
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), the political platform associated with Besigye, has mobilised supporters to attend today’s court session.
Party officials have framed the appearance as part of a broader struggle for democracy, justice, and the rule of law in Uganda.
Besigye’s health has been a major concern for his family, supporters, and international observers.
Reports indicate he has faced restricted access to medical care while in detention, prompting repeated calls for his unconditional release or at least humane treatment.
The case continues to draw sharp domestic and international scrutiny, with critics accusing the government of using judicial processes to suppress political dissent ahead of future elections.
No official comment has been issued from State House regarding the cancellation of the Lubaga mass or today’s court proceedings.