Museveni Demands Judicial Reform: No Bail for Corruption and Other Serious Crimes
By Okurut Savon
In a bold move to combat corruption in Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has called on the judiciary to deny bail to those accused of severe crimes, including corruption. Speaking at a cabinet retreat at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, Museveni emphasized the need for strict measures to curb embezzlement, murder, treason, terrorism, rape, defilement, and village thefts.
“We should easily defeat corruption. The only support we need from the judiciary is no bail for those accused of these crimes if the prosecution is ready for trial,” Museveni declared. He urged for a “correct, revolutionary, and objective approach” to end corruption and impunity.
Highlighting the gravity of the issue, Museveni revealed that Uganda loses Shs 9.7 trillion annually to corruption, a figure he attributed to the Inspectorate of Government (IGG). Despite this, critics argue that Museveni has weakened the IG’s effectiveness by establishing parallel anti-corruption units.
Among these new entities is a unit headed by David Kalemera, a convicted tax fraudster. This appointment has sparked controversy and accusations of undermining anti-corruption efforts. In response, Museveni defended his decision, citing the need to bypass ineffective accounting officers and directly tackle corruption.
Museveni also announced the creation of additional units focused on tax investigation and auditing. These units aim to address tax evasion, financial misappropriation by parliament, and other forms of corruption.
The President criticized parliament for reallocating over Shs 3.7 trillion irregularly over the past four years, accusing MPs of sabotaging his efforts. He emphasized the importance of linking directly with the citizens, whom he described as victims of government corruption.
Museveni outlined two dimensions of corruption in Uganda: government officials stealing public funds and taking bribes, and private sector employees betraying their employers. He called on the police to hold these individuals accountable, including recovering stolen funds and imposing prison sentences.
Addressing the controversial issue of MPs’ high salaries, Museveni admitted he had opposed but not blocked these increases, preferring to let MPs learn from their mistakes. He noted that the primary issue was the bad example set by MPs rather than the amount of money involved.
Museveni concluded by expressing hope that Uganda’s young generation, driven by passion rather than remuneration, would play a crucial role in overcoming corruption and fostering national development.
