Bobi Wine, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo clash over Judicial independence

Why have you not shown similar urgency in addressing the appeal against this injustice that has spent four years gathering dust on your desk at the Supreme Court

The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has intensified his criticism of judiciary, accusing it of political bias, selective justice, and failing to uphold constitutional principles.

Kyagulanyi’s remarks came in response to comments by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, who defended the judiciary against allegations of complicity in the death of Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya.

Kyagulanyi accused the judiciary of enabling Ssegirinya’s prolonged detention, despite his deteriorating health.

“The judiciary and everyone else who conspired to keep Hon. Ssegirinya in jail, even when he was clearly dying, all have his blood on their hands,” Kyagulanyi said.

He also criticised what he termed selective justice, citing examples where opposition members were denied bail while ruling party officials accused of similar or more serious crimes were released swiftly.

“The judiciary denied Hon. Ssegirinya bail for two years, yet NRM legislators accused of embezzling relief items were granted bail in a matter of days,” he stated.

Kyagulanyi also questioned the Chief Justice’s silence on broader issues, such as the trial of civilians in military courts and delays in resolving critical appeals.

“Why have you not shown similar urgency in addressing the appeal against this injustice that has spent four years gathering dust on your desk at the Supreme Court?” he asked.

He further alleged that the judiciary prioritises the interests of President Museveni’s regime over justice, citing cases such as that of author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, who was remanded despite visible signs of torture, and Edward Awebwa, who was sentenced to six years in prison for criticising the president on social media.

“The judiciary you lead has become numb, unwilling, or incapable of fulfilling its constitutional duty to dispense justice without fear or favor,” Kyagulanyi charged.

Speaking during a retreat with judicial officers in Mbarara, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo dismissed Kyagulanyi’s accusations he made during the burial of Ssegirinya that the Judiciary lacks independence and impartiality.

At the burial, Kyagulanyi accused the Judiciary of being complicit in his death.

But Owiny-Dollo noted that the judiciary operates independently and adheres to the law.

“If it is true that he said that, he should remember that the same ‘worthless judges’ he criticizes are the ones who granted him bail in Iganga during the 2021 campaigns,” Owiny-Dollo said.

He also recalled how the judiciary issued a habeas corpus order that freed Kyagulanyi when he was under house arrest.

Addressing concerns about President Museveni's directive banning police bonds, Owiny-Dollo clarified that the directive targeted the Executive and the police, not the judiciary.

He emphasised that the law requires suspects to be presented in court within 48 hours.

The Chief Justice also addressed the controversy surrounding the denial of bail to Ssegirinya and Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana, who faced charges of murder and terrorism.

Critics, including Bobi Wine, argue that Ssegirinya’s prolonged detention exacerbated his health issues, ultimately leading to his death.

Kyagulanyi did not hold back in his criticism of the judiciary.

“Even the judges who repeatedly denied Ssegirinya and Ssewanyana bail are as oppressive as Museveni, who detained them. A judge worth their salt would prioritise justice over a promotion from Museveni,” he said.

In response, Justice Owiny-Dollo maintained that judicial decisions are guided by the law.

“If the law is on your side, I will give you justice. If it is against you, I will convict you,” he said.

Kyagulanyi called for reforms to restore public trust in the judiciary, urging it to end unconstitutional practices, such as the trial of civilians in military courts.

“Ugandans hope you’ll find the courage to end the trial of civilians in military courts and restore the integrity of our judicial system,” he said.