President Museveni Defends Bail Restrictions and Media Regulation in July 5 Address

President Museveni on July 5 defended the government's opposition to granting bail to some opposition figures facing criminal charges during a national address, AllAfrica reported. He stated that releasing suspects before trial could expose witnesses to intimidation and undermine the justice system.

Museveni argued that such releases would weaken prosecutions and that loss of witness confidence might push security agencies toward unlawful methods.

The president referenced unrest after the November 2020 arrest of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine. He said security agencies thwarted attempts to destabilize Kampala and cited the slogan "Tajja Kulayira" as evidence of intent to block an elected president's inauguration through violence.

Museveni condemned harassment of ruling National Resistance Movement supporters, especially women, and dismissed claims that Uganda has returned to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

He noted that suspects now face arrest, prosecution and court proceedings. He also defended calls for stricter media regulation, referencing comments by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba that compared Uganda's media environment to that of the United Arab Emirates.

Museveni questioned why many admire Dubai's order while opposing similar rules at home. Article 23 of the Constitution guarantees the right to apply for bail, though courts decide under the law. The remarks reinforce the administration's position that bail should be restricted where witness interference or public security risks exist.