Former Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda has sharply reacted after Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was denied bail, raising renewed debate over judicial independence and the handling of politically sensitive cases in Uganda.
In his remarks, Ssemujju linked the ruling to earlier political statements attributed to senior officials, arguing that the outcome was predictable.
He suggested that the court process had been closely watched and that the final decision aligned with expectations he claims were already set in motion.
“Lukwago denied bail as expected. Muhoozi kainerugaba had said ‘Lukwago will be in prison for 10 years.’ I had no doubt in my mind that the Magistrate was waiting for the ruling to append her signature,” he stated.
He further alleged that delays in delivering the ruling were part of a calculated process. According to him, repeated postponements signaled that the outcome had already been determined before being formally delivered in court.
“That is why she kept on postponing the ruling from Monday morning to 2pm to within next 24 hours. The whole plot is to deny Besigye lawyers who are forceful to enable Emmanuel Baguma convict kizza besigye as quickly as Muhoozi wishes,” he added.
Ssemujju also linked Lukwago’s detention to broader political developments involving opposition figures, including Kizza Besigye, suggesting that ongoing cases point to increased pressure on opposition-aligned legal teams.
He further referenced the deportation of Kenyan politician Martha Karua, arguing that it fits into what he views as a regional pattern affecting dissenting voices.
“Erias Lukwago in jail and Martha Karua deported. I hope the country remembers that Kaguta Museveni wanted the Constitution amended to stop court from granting bail,” he said.
Ssemujju claimed that although constitutional amendments on bail were previously rejected in Parliament, alternative mechanisms were now being used in practice.
“This time, even the NRM MPs refused. He vowed to find other ways. Through cadre judges and magistrates, Museveni has found the other ways. Guys our country has gone; finished!” he added.