UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has sharply criticised Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni following his recent national address in which he questioned the granting of bail to criminal suspects and proposed tighter restrictions on the practice.
In a statement, Byanyima accused the president of undermining constitutional principles and interfering with the independence of the judiciary.
Her remarks come amid growing debate in Uganda over Museveni’s push to limit bail for suspects charged with serious offences, which he argues contributes to repeat crime and insecurity.
“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,” Byanyima said.
She further alleged that the president was usurping judicial authority while justifying human rights violations, including abductions, torture, and prolonged detention without trial.
Byanyima directly called out the Chief Justice, warning that silence in the face of such developments amounts to 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.
Museveni, in his address on Saturday, defended his stance by linking bail to rising insecurity, arguing that suspects released from custody often return to commit further crimes.
He signaled intentions to pursue legal reforms that could see stricter limitations placed on bail, particularly for capital offences such as murder and terrorism.
The president’s position has sparked a wider legal and political debate in Uganda.
Supporters argue that tougher bail conditions are necessary to enhance public safety, while critics warn that such measures risk eroding fundamental rights, including the presumption of innocence and protection from arbitrary detention.