While Kizza Besigye has not confirmed if he will run again in the upcoming election, he remains a significant figure in Ugandan politics as a former ally and personal physician of President Museveni.

A Ugandan judge has denied bail to opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who has been imprisoned for nearly nine months on treason charges.

Besigye's legal team argued for automatic bail due to his detention exceeding 180 days without a trial; however, Judge Emmanuel Baguma ruled that the 180-day period began from his remand in civilian court on February 21, 2025, leaving him 12 days short of the requirement for bail.

Besigye, who maintains his innocence, was forcibly returned to Uganda from Kenya in November 2024 and was initially charged in a military tribunal before his case was moved to a civilian court.

Having previously run against President Yoweri Museveni in four elections, Besigye has alleged fraud and voter suppression in each instance.

The case has heightened concerns among critics of the Ugandan government regarding a crackdown on opposition ahead of the national elections scheduled for early next year, where President Museveni is seeking re-election.

Opposition leader Bobi Wine and various rights groups have expressed worries about the implications of Besigye's detainment for political freedoms in Uganda.

The Ugandan government denies accusations of targeting opposition figures, asserting that those detained have committed crimes.