Uganda’s debate over justice and constitutional limits has intensified after UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima launched a scathing attack on President Yoweri Museveni, accusing him of undermining the judiciary following his controversial proposal to restrict bail for criminal suspects.
The president, in a national address delivered on Saturday, questioned the continued granting of bail to criminal suspects, linking the practice to rising insecurity.
He argued that some suspects released from custody often return to commit further crimes, and signaled plans to pursue legal reforms targeting stricter limitations, particularly for capital offences such as murder and terrorism.
However, Byanyima has strongly pushed back, accusing Museveni of undermining constitutional safeguards and interfering with judicial independence.
In her statement, she warned that the president’s remarks and proposals risk eroding the rule of law.
“The head of the judiciary, who was sworn in on President Museveni’s private farm in the presence of the President’s family, is conspicuously silent as the President openly violates the Constitution,” she said.
She further alleged that the president’s stance reflects a broader pattern of overreach, including actions that justify human rights violations such as abductions, torture, and prolonged detention without trial.
Byanyima also directed criticism at the judiciary, specifically calling out the Chief Justice for failing to respond.
She warned that silence in the face of constitutional violations could be interpreted as complicity.
“Silence in the face of such constitutional violations is not neutrality. It is a betrayal of the judiciary’s duty to uphold the rule of law. Chief Justice, you too will account,” she added.