By Aggrey Baba
Uganda’s Deputy Attorney General, Jackson Kafuuzi, has strongly dismissed allegations that President Yoweri Museveni’s recent remarks about the issuance of police bonds and court bail were a threat to Ugandans’ constitutional rights.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday afternoon, Kafuuzi clarified that the President’s remarks were aimed at encouraging caution, accountability, and proper discretion in the application of these legal provisions by the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS).
“The President’s statement was a clarion call to the Justice Law and Order Sector to ensure that they use their discretion judiciously in granting bond,” Kafuuzi emphasized. “The statement, when analyzed in its full context, was not a threat to abolish the right to police bond but rather a call for caution and greater accountability in its application.”
Kafuuzi explained that the President’s concerns stemmed from specific cases where bonds or bail were issued despite investigations being completed and trials ready to commence. He stressed that the intention behind the President’s remarks was to ensure that justice is not delayed by unnecessary discretion at such a stage.
“The implication of the statement is not to ban police bond but to emphasize to the police that once a case is ready for trial, then there is no need to give bond to a suspect. It should be noted that such cases have completed investigations and are ready for hearing, meaning the suspect is already on remand,” Kafuuzi clarified.
Drawing wisdom from an old saying, Kafuuzi’s explanation likened the President’s call to the proverb, [A stitch in time saves nine], suggesting that the guidance was meant to address gaps in the system before they cause greater public mistrust.
He added that this call for accountability should be seen as a way of improving the justice system rather than restricting rights.
Kafuuzi further underscored that the President’s remarks were limited to cases that had completed investigations, dismissing fears of arbitrary limitations on the right to bail or bond.
He noted that the move aimed to restore public confidence in the justice system, which is sometimes perceived as lenient towards suspects in serious cases.
As the debate on police bonds and court bail continues to draw mixed reactions, Kafuuzi reminded parliament of another timeless proverb, that [A chain is only as strong as its weakest link].
He urged JLOS institutions to act responsibly in exercising their powers, ensuring that their actions uphold both the rule of law and public trust. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
