Former Kira Municipality Member of Parliament Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has alleged political interference in Uganda’s judicial process following the denial of bail to Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, making a series of claims against the judiciary and senior government officials.
Ssemujju suggested that the bail ruling was influenced by political actors and not solely based on judicial discretion.
“Lukwago denied bail as expected. Muhoozi had said ‘Lukwago will be in prison for 10 years.’ I had no doubt in my mind that the Magistrate was waiting for the ruling to append her signature. That is why she kept on postponing the ruling from Monday morning to 2pm to within next 24 hours,” Ssemujju said.
He further alleged that there was a broader political plan targeting lawyers linked to opposition figures, including Dr. Kizza Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
“The whole plot is to deny Besigye lawyers who are forceful to enable Emmanuel Baguma convict Kizza Besigye as quickly as Muhoozi wishes. Erias Lukwago in jail and Martha Karua deported,” he added.
Ssemujju also revisited past constitutional debates, accusing President Museveni of seeking alternative mechanisms after Parliament reportedly rejected proposed amendments on bail laws.
“I hope the country remembers that Museveni wanted the Constitution amended to stop court from granting bail. This time, even the NRM MPs refused. He vowed to find other ways. Through cadre judges and magistrates, Museveni has found the other ways,” he said.
The claims have not been independently verified, and no response had been issued by the judiciary or government authorities by press time.
The Makindye Chief Magistrates Court has rejected a bail application by Erias Lukwago.
In a ruling delivered via email on Tuesday afternoon, Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera said that although Lukwago had presented substantial sureties, a fixed place of abode, and a documented medical condition requiring continuous review and treatment, these factors were not sufficient to justify his release on bail.
“The court must consider these factors alongside other countervailing conditions that may limit the temporary liberty of the applicant,” she said.
The magistrate noted that the charge against Lukwago relates to offences concerning the security of the State and is punishable upon conviction by life imprisonment.
“While the seriousness of the offence is not by itself a bar to bail, it remains a relevant consideration in assessing whether the applicant will faithfully submit himself to the jurisdiction of the court until the conclusion of the proceedings,” she added.
