“It’s Null & Void, Focus On Fighting Corruption Not Human Right” Uganda Law Society Breaks Silence On Presidential Directive On Bail Ban

In a decisive move to uphold justice and human rights, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has publicly opposed President Museveni’s recent directive to eliminate police bond and bail for individuals accused of embezzling public funds, particularly those involving the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga funds. The directive, which labels the accused as “village thieves,” has ignited national debate, with ULS criticizing it as a violation of constitutional rights.

President Museveni announced the directive during his end-of-year address, where he disclosed plans to remove police bond and revealed discussions with Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo about denying court bail for similar cases. While the president framed the move as a stringent measure against corruption, critics have questioned its timing and intentions. Many view it as a strategic maneuver ahead of the 2026 election campaign, potentially aimed at suppressing youth protesters and opposition groups expected to challenge his leadership.

In a press release titled “Let’s fight corruption, not human rights,” the ULS emphasized that the directive contravenes Articles 23, 28(3)(a), and 99 of the Ugandan Constitution. ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde highlighted the colonial origins of police jail congestion and called for an end to systemic injustices perpetuated by arbitrary detentions. He stated, “It is time to break the police-to-prison pipeline that disproportionately targets the poor, civil society activists, and the opposition.”

The ULS also pledged to hold rogue police officers and malicious prosecutors accountable under Sections 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15 of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act. They urged the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure thorough investigations before any arrests and prioritize fair and efficient legal processes over bureaucratic overreach. Ssemakadde further stressed, “We cannot let colonial-era hallmarks of repression define our justice system. This New Law Year is an opportunity to build a system that serves the people with justice, equality, and human rights.”

As the nation contemplates the implications of this directive, political analysts warn of its potential to exacerbate tensions between the government and the youth, who have been at the forefront of demands for change. By committing to end corruption without undermining individual rights, the ULS has set the stage for what could be a transformative year in Uganda’s legal and political landscape.