Today, there have been leaks of a Court Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo has written a guidance, which will circumvent and guide judges to block “bail” for certain offences in the Republic. This is happening, as President Museveni and his allies have worked overtime trying to find ways of doing this. CJ Owiny Dollo would give way and make things easy by doing this.
“133. Administrative functions of the Chief Justice
- The Chief Justice—
- shall be the head of the judiciary and shall be responsible for the administration and supervision of all courts in Uganda; and
- (b)may issue orders and directions to the courts necessary for the proper and efficient administration of justice
(2) Where the office of the Chief Justice is vacant or where the Chief Justice is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his or her office, then until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office or until the Chief Justice has resumed the performance of those functions, those functions shall be performed by the Deputy Chief Justice” (Constitution, 1995).
We are seeing here that the CJ has the constitutional power to guide and issue orders for proper and efficient administration of justice. Alas, if CJ Owiny Dollo does this he needs the legal arguments and ramifications for his guidance. Since, he needs to prove if it is proper or within the current laws and efficient administration of justice. That is what CJ Owiny Dollo needs to do. As his the man who vouch for and supports this idea by signing his name into the guidance of the courts.
Yes, this is giving way to the President who wants this change. As he wants the state to be more strict and use the leverage of law to punish his enemies even harder. This isn’t used to fight crime or criminals, no this change of laws will go after the political prisoners and activists who fight for justice and liberty. Which is ironic, as the ones who will be targeted by this change and guidance, are the prisoners of conscience and not career criminals with manslaughter, murder or being a serial killers. No, this will hit opposition MPs and the ones who have offended “the Don”.
CJ Owiny Dollo will be this term Raphael Magyezi, as he intends to revise the Constitution in favour of the President. Owiny Dollo is willing to risk his name and everything his worked for. Just to serve the President and his whims. This isn’t to better the republic or make things more just. No, this is just the recent revision which fits the current state of affairs for the President.
It is really foolish to do this, the President and his people are really shortsighted. As this will get applied to the opposition and dissidents right now. However, if the pendulum suddenly changes and the current elite is losing power. They could be the end of this stick and be punished with the same manner. This means the high ranking officials and their associates could be taken in and not be released in a timely fashion. Because, the President and National Resistance Movement (NRM) did this in 2021. So in 2026 or any other year the stakes might be different and the ones in power deserve to feel the pain they put on others.
CJ Owiny Dollo should fear for the future if he is allowed to use his office to make this happen. It is just like former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi who ensured the Public Order Management Act (POMA) becoming a law, which was used against him when he stood as a Presidential Candidate. The law that he pushed got used against him. If someone finds something serious in the past of the CJ Owiny Dollo he could be detained without question. No only the men or leaders around Bobi Wine, but someone who used to be a token ally of Museveni.
The end of bail will haunt this government. This tool will not only go against the current enemies of the state. No, this can be used against others too and give credence to keeping people behind bars without proper justice. As the state doesn’t have to produce or ensure proper proceedings, as the state can use without court orders or sentencing making people guilty. That the state does this to its citizens shows how far the dictator and the President are willing to go. As the law isn’t only battered on innocent civilians and dissidents, no the state is rigged against them, in such a manner that the Constitution doesn’t matter. Since, the latest CJ has given guidance, which is countering it.
The ones sharing this on will possibly be backfired on. CJ Owiny Dollo can carry the water for His Excellency, but this will not clench his thirst. At some point of time, the President wants more than water and more than a cup of tea. He wants the bar and the side-dish. CJ Owiny Dollo is serving a purpose now, but if he doesn’t comply later. He will be stationed elsewhere or be retired… Peace.
MinBane 