France, Aug. 9 -- AUgandan judge refused to grant bail to veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye, who has been in jail for nearly nine months ontreason charges.

The case has raised concerns among government critics, including opposition leader Bobi Wine and rights groups, about a crackdown ahead ofUganda's national election early next year in which President Yoweri Museveni, 80, is seeking re-election.

The government denies targeting opposition figures and says all those who have been detained have committed crimes.

Bobi Wine's fight for democracy in Uganda continues on the big screen

A former ally and personal physician of Museveni, Besigye has stood and lost against Museveni in four elections. He has not said whether he is running ...