Museveni Warns Courts: Bail to Suspected Killers Must Stop

Kampala - President Yoweri Museveni has weighed in on the debate about granting bail to suspects involved in capital offenses, urging courts to stop this practice.

Granting Bail to Suspects of Capital Offenses Should Stop

According to a statement issued by State House, President Museveni emphasized that suspects of murder, aggravated rape, robbery involving guns, acid attacks, terrorism, and those involved in embezzlement of public or private funds should be denied bail. He argued that these individuals pose a significant risk to society and should not be granted freedom on bail.

Risk to Society

The President believes that these individuals should be kept in jail for at least six months before any form of bail application is entertained in the courts. This move aims to curb the social problem of granting bail to suspects involved in capital offenses, which has been a subject of concern among security and legal experts.

Growing Concerns about Bail

The debate on granting bail to suspects involved in serious crimes has been growing, with critics arguing that this practice undermines public confidence in the judicial system and encourages criminal activity. Crime levels have continued to skyrocket in the country, with some of the common capital offenses including homicide, rape, terrorism, treason, kidnap, and aggravated robbery.

Restricting Bail Deters Future Crimes

Experts argue that the liberal nature of granting bail is one of the reasons for the increase in crime levels. They suggest that restricting bail for suspects involved in capital offenses would deter future crimes. By denying bail to these individuals, courts can ensure public safety and prevent further criminal activity.

Need for Courts to Explain Bail Undertaking

The President’s statement has also sparked debate about the need for courts to explain the rights, obligations, effects, and consequences of breach of bail undertaking to sureties. Judicial officers are not required by law to provide this information to sureties, which can leave them vulnerable to serious repercussions if an accused person breaches their conditions of bail.

International Comparison

In Australia, sureties are protected from losing their property if they are unable to raise the funds subject of the surety. In contrast, in Uganda, sureties who fail to meet their obligations risk facing serious consequences including prison sentences and the forfeiture of their homes.

Unaffordability of Cash Bail

The President’s statement comes amid growing concerns about the unaffordability of cash bail for many poor citizens in conflict with the law. Critics argue that cash bail is an ineffective tool for protecting the public or ensuring that people show up in court, and that it disproportionately affects the poor.

Way Forward

It remains to be seen how courts will respond to President Museveni’s call to action on this issue. However, his statement has brought renewed attention to the need for a review of the legal system to ensure that it is fair and effective in combating crime.