Opposition MPs have pushed back against President Yoweri Museveni’s comments on bail, urging government lawyers to advise him on the constitutional rights of accused persons.
Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende said denying bail to political suspects violates the presumption of innocence, arguing that no one should be treated as guilty before a court verdict.She said claims of witness intimidation should be addressed through legal mechanisms rather than denying suspects access to bail.
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi warned that attempts to remove bail for certain offences would undermine constitutional protections, noting that every accused person has the right to apply for release while awaiting trial.
The lawmakers were responding to Museveni’s remarks that some opposition suspects should remain in custody because they could threaten prosecution witnesses if granted bail.The President defended the position, saying protecting witnesses is essential to ensuring justice is served.
