Mpuuga rebukes Museveni's end of year directives on police bonds and court bails

The  National Coordinator of the Democratic Alliance (DA) Mathia Mpuuga has expressed strong criticism over President Museveni’s recent end of year address.

Museveni’s directives, which include banning the release of suspects on police bonds and curtailing court bails, have sparked public and legal controversy.

In his December 31, 2024 speech, Museveni issued a directive that effectively bans the release of suspects on police bonds, a practice that has long been criticized by many as part of a broader effort to control the judiciary.

However, according to Mpuuga, this announcement was nothing new.

“His intention to offer directives to ban bails and bonds was not new. Museveni is not saying anything new but has been practicing it already,” said Mpuuga.

He added that many individuals have already faced jail time without clear charges or court proceedings, some even being tried in military courts under ambiguous circumstances.

This, according to Mpuuga, points to a long-standing pattern of denying individuals their basic right to justice.

Mpuuga also sees Museveni’s move as a forewarning of what is to come as Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections.

“He was reminding political actors that he is going to heighten his stronghold in the judiciary and state agencies,” Mpuuga asserted, suggesting that Museveni is preparing to clamp down even harder on political opposition ahead of the next election.

He believes that the measures announced in the speech could further stifle democratic processes, particularly in the face of growing political opposition to Museveni’s rule.

The DA National Coordinator views Museveni's actions as a form of political intimidation, with a clear focus on undermining the judicial independence of Uganda.

“Part of our resolve is to make sure that such impunity and abuse of processes of court are stopped,” Mpuuga continued.

His words reflect growing concerns among Ugandan civil society about the increasing concentration of power in the executive branch of government, especially as the country nears a highly anticipated election.

Mpuuga and the DA team are calling for significant electoral and legal reforms to ensure that the 2026 elections are free, fair, and consequential.

They have expressed alarm at the possibility of politicians attempting to crush their rivals through unfair means.

While Mpuuga has made it clear that electoral reforms are essential, he has also cautioned his fellow politicians against falling into the trap of underhanded tactics to gain an advantage.

In addition to electoral reforms, Mpuuga urged the judiciary to resist political pressure.

“The judiciary is not part of the executive,” he said, urging judicial officers not to succumb to state pressure. Mpuuga emphasized that the judiciary must remain independent to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights.

Looking ahead to 2026, Mpuuga’s message is clear: the political environment in Uganda is rapidly changing, and the need for legal and electoral reforms is more urgent than ever.

For now, the DA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a fair electoral process, free from executive interference and the manipulation of justice.

In the coming months, it will be crucial to monitor the developments surrounding Museveni’s directives, as well as the response from political actors, civil society, and the judiciary, all of whom will play a key role in shaping the future of Uganda’s democracy.