Uganda High Court on Monday freed opposition leader and presidential candidate Kizza Besigye on bail, clearing the way for him to begin campaigning for February 23 election.

Besigye was released at around 3:30 p.m. (1230 GMT) accompanied by his wife Winnie Byanyima and Aruu County member of Parliament Odongo Otto.

The order release was made by Justice J.B. Katusi at Uganda High Court.

After the High Court freed him, Besigye said he would begin campaigning for the February 23 polls after assessing his situation.

According to a report from the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, Besigye's supporters braved the tear-gas and water from the anti- riot police as they waited for Besigye's appearance from court premises.

Besigye, arrested on November 14, 2005, was charged with treason and rape in the High Court and later also charged with terrorism and illegal possession of firearms in the General Court Martial.

Source: Xinhua