Ssemujju Alleges Political Interference in Lukwago's Bail Denial

Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the former Member of Parliament for Kira Municipality, has voiced strong allegations of political interference within Uganda’s judicial system. His comments follow the recent denial of bail for Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

Ssemujju suggested that the ruling was not an independent judicial decision but was influenced by political actors. He specifically referenced a statement attributed to Muhoozi Kainerugaba, implying that the magistrate’s decision was preordained.

“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,” Ssemujju stated, noting the postponements of the ruling.

Furthermore, Ssemujju alleged a wider political strategy aimed at targeting lawyers associated with opposition figures like Dr. Kizza Besigye and Lukwago himself. He suggested a plan to hinder Besigye’s legal defense and to keep Lukwago incarcerated.

The former MP also recalled past constitutional debates, accusing President Museveni of seeking alternative methods to control bail after proposed amendments to bail laws were reportedly rejected by Parliament. Ssemujju asserted that “cadre judges and magistrates” are now being used to achieve these objectives.

The Makindye Chief Magistrates Court denied Lukwago’s bail application, with Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera citing the seriousness of the charges, which relate to state security offenses punishable by life imprisonment. While acknowledging Lukwago’s sureties and medical condition, the magistrate deemed them insufficient to justify bail, stating the court must consider “countervailing conditions.”

These claims of political influence have not been independently verified, and no official response from the judiciary or government authorities was available at the time of reporting.

Source: Nile Post