Politics 7 July 2026 Nile Post

Ssenyonyi Demands Clarity on Bail Restrictions Amidst UHRC Probe

Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has called on the government to explain proposed bail restrictions and address the issue of prolonged detentions without trial. This comes as Parliament begins an investigation into a crisis at the Uganda Human Rights Commission. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/354584/ssenyonyi-presses-government-on-bail-plan-detentions-as-parliament-takes-up-uhrc-crisis

Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyo has put the government on the spot regarding potential changes to bail laws and the persistent issue of Ugandans being held in detention without trial.

Ssenyonyi expressed concern that proposals to scrap bail for certain offenses could infringe upon constitutional rights, affecting citizens regardless of their political affiliations. He highlighted President Museveni’s recent remarks about suspects accused of serious crimes posing a threat to witnesses, noting that such sensitive matters require careful constitutional consideration.

The opposition leader urged the government to provide a clear explanation of its intentions and called upon the President’s legal advisors to offer guidance. Ssenyonyi stressed that any modifications to bail provisions should not only consider the rights of victims but also uphold the fundamental rights of the accused, emphasizing that constitutional protections are for all Ugandans.

Furthermore, Ssenyonyi raised alarms about the extended detention of numerous individuals, including opposition figures like Sam Mugumya, who have not yet faced trial. He questioned the government’s rationale for these lengthy detentions, suggesting that such delays undermine public trust in the judicial system.

In a parallel development, Parliament has decided to address a stalemate within the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC). Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has tasked the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs with an urgent investigation into the internal disagreements plaguing the institution responsible for safeguarding human rights in Uganda.

The committee’s mandate is to scrutinize the situation at the UHRC, determine the impact of the dispute on its operations, and report back to the House. Discussions surrounding bail, prolonged detentions, and the UHRC’s internal issues are expected to dominate parliamentary discourse on human rights and access to justice in the near future.