Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS and wife of detained opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, has publicly criticized Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, accusing him of remaining silent in the face of what she describes as constitutional violations.
Byanyima was reacting to President Yoweri Museveni‘s recent remarks defending the denial of bail to certain suspects, saying the move was necessary to protect witnesses.
She argued that such statements, together with allegations of abductions, torture, and prolonged detention without trial, undermine the Constitution and the rule of law.
In her statement, Byanyima questioned why the Chief Justice had not publicly responded, saying the Judiciary has a duty to defend constitutional principles and protect citizens’ rights.
She also pointed to the fact that Justice Zeija was sworn in at President Museveni’s private farm in the presence of members of the President’s family, claiming the circumstances have fueled public concerns about the independence of the Judiciary.
According to Byanyima, the Chief Justice’s silence on the President’s comments amounts to a failure to uphold the rule of law at a time when public confidence in the justice system is under intense scrutiny.
Her remarks add to the growing debate over judicial independence, constitutional governance, and human rights in Uganda following President Museveni’s comments on bail and ongoing concerns over the treatment of opposition figures.
