By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to judicial officers who release criminal suspects on bail, saying his government will no longer tolerate decisions that undermine public safety and national security.
“I will no longer tolerate the issue of judicial officers releasing criminals,” the President said during a meeting with Kampala leaders at the MUBS Graduation Grounds in Nakawa on Saturday.
Museveni argues that granting bail to suspects of crimes interferes with investigations, and also increases crimes.
“I’ve been talking to the Chief Justice, but you (political leaders) should monitor anybody who covers up crimes. And we shall deal with it legally.”
The President’s remarks come amid growing concern over a spike in urban crime and what he described as judicial leniency that emboldens repeat offenders. Museveni emphasized that political structures at all levels must remain vigilant and report those who obstruct justice.
“We shall be strict against anybody who covers up crimes,” he added. “The structures are there. Report to relevant authorities like the Minister for the Presidency, Local Government, and we shall come in.”
Furthermore, the President reiterated the importance of the Automated Express Penalty System (EPS) and digital number plates in fighting crime, while exposing high-level corruption linked to the program.
“Some officials colluded with Russian manufacturers to hike EPS charges,” Museveni said. “I will one day tell you who was involved.”
According to the president, the EOS and digital number plates were introduced to fight crimes such as traffic violations, motor vehicle and motorcycle theft, murder among others. He however, criticized corrupt officials who have failed the system.
Referring to recent Entebbe couple murder, and another one in Mukono, Museveni vowed to “deal with” those behind such acts, crediting surveillance systems and forensic tools for progress in investigations.
“We are going to deal with those criminals because of the systems we now have CCTV, forensic labs, and improved communication networks,” he said, while boasting of government’s efforts to strengthen and maintain peace and security of all citizens.
“Nobody can bring war here. We have a lot of strength to stop wars. We are now focusing on ending crime,” he said.
As part of his Kampala tour, Museveni visited Parish Development Model (PDM) projects in Nakawa and Mutungo, pledging more funding for urban PDM SACCOs.
“Urban areas have high populations. We shall increase PDM funding to ensure these communities also join the money economy,” he said.
The President’s remarks underscore a renewed push to confront Kampala’s service delivery crisis, urban crime, and systemic corruption, with promises of both reform and enforcement.
