Ugandan opposition veteran Kizza Besigye has been denied bail in a treason case that has kept him in jail for nearly nine months. The decision comes amid growing concerns from rights groups and opposition figures about a political crackdown ahead of next year’s election, in which President Yoweri Museveni seeks re-election.

Besigye, a former ally and personal physician to Museveni, has lost to him in four past elections and has not confirmed if he will run again. He denies all charges, which stem from his forced return from Kenya last November.

Authorities reject claims of political persecution, insisting all detentions are linked to criminal conduct.