By Howard Tugume
In every democratic society, the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” is supposed to be sacred. Yet across the world, states, security agencies, and media institutions continue to handle suspects in ways that often destroy lives long before courts deliver verdicts.
The growing trend of sensational investigations, public humiliation, and trial-by-media raises serious questions about justice, human dignity, and abuse of state power.
One wonders why investigations are frequently blown out of proportion, leaving suspects deeply wounded socially, financially, and emotionally, even when convictions never materialize. In many cases, the compensation offered — if any — is far from enough to restore damaged reputations, careers, and personal lives.
The case of former U.S. President Donald Trump during his first presidential campaign remains one of the most debated examples. The Obama administration launched the Crossfire Hurricane investigation based largely on the controversial Steele Dossier, which was later criticized for containing unverified claims.
The FBI’s use of the dossier to obtain surveillance warrants against Trump associates later sparked criticism and investigations of its own. Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn was prosecuted and financially ruined before his conviction was eventually overturned. Meanwhile, the Mueller probe ultimately found no criminal conspiracy, while the Durham Report later concluded that the investigation should never have been opened in the first place.
Yet by then, reputations had already been shattered, careers destroyed, and public trust eroded.
Uganda has witnessed similar patterns.
Former Vice President Gilbert Bukenya faced widespread allegations during a politically tense period, including claims surrounding land ownership and extravagant properties. Despite the intense public scrutiny, many accusations never translated into convictions. However, the public damage had already been done.
The same pattern can be observed in the experiences of Kizza Besigye, who spent time on remand over allegations that were never proven, and former police chief Kale Kayihura, who endured enormous public humiliation through media allegations and investigations.
Globally, icons such as Nelson Mandela also suffered years of incarceration and political labeling before later being vindicated by history.
These cases expose a painful reality: suspects often suffer punishment before trial. The public spectacle surrounding investigations can permanently alter how communities perceive an individual, regardless of whether guilt is eventually established.
This raises critical questions.
Is there not a better way for states to handle suspects, exhibits, and investigations without dehumanizing individuals? Should investigations not be conducted with greater confidentiality and restraint until evidence is properly tested in court?
Equally important is the question of compensation. Should individuals who lose careers, reputations, finances, and valuable years of their lives due to failed prosecutions or exaggerated investigations be compensated more meaningfully?
Critics argue that some investigations increasingly resemble mob justice — only that this time, state institutions and sections of the media become the weapons used against vulnerable suspects.
Justice must not only punish the guilty; it must also protect the innocent from unnecessary destruction.
As the old saying goes: “When you lose one cent, look for one cent.” Even the smallest injustice deserves attention, because unchecked abuse of power eventually weakens public trust in institutions meant to protect society.
The writer is Howard Tugume, a businessman and note-taker interested in development, innovation, and politics
