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Besigye’s Lawyers Petition ULS Over Human Rights Violations in General Court Martial

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Besigye’s Lawyers Petition ULS Over Human Rights Violations in General Court Martial
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The GCM subjected him to a summary sentencing of nine months in Kitalya Prison for alleged contempt of court. This sentence, we contend, was premeditated and aimed at provoking us into actions that would justify primitive sanctions

Lawyers representing Dr. Kizza Besigye have filed a petition to the Uganda Law Society (ULS), calling for urgent intervention against what they describe as escalating human rights violations and hostile working conditions in the General Court Martial (GCM).

Led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, the legal team highlighted grave concerns, including the alleged physical assault and unlawful detention of their colleague, Erone Kiiza, and widespread intimidation targeting legal practitioners.

Addressing the ULS, Lukwago narrated the ordeal of Kiiza, who was allegedly obstructed, assaulted, and dragged out of the courtroom in full view of the public during proceedings on January 7th.

“The GCM subjected him to a summary sentencing of nine months in Kitalya Prison for alleged contempt of court. This sentence, we contend, was premeditated and aimed at provoking us into actions that would justify primitive sanctions,” Lukwago remarked.

Lukwago accused the GCM of undermining the rule of law, violating Uganda’s Constitution, and disregarding Article 44, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.

“The oppressive atmosphere in the GCM has had a chilling effect on the defense team, reducing our numbers from 42 to 23. This raises serious concerns about the safety and rights of legal practitioners in Uganda,” he stated.

The legal team further requested the ULS to advocate for the immediate release of Erone Kiiza and to amplify their voices against the alleged violations of international legal instruments to which Uganda is a signatory.

“We humbly request the ULS, as the vanguard of the rule of law, to be at the forefront of challenging these transgressions. The continued detention of our colleague undermines justice and the principles we stand for as lawyers,” Lukwago added.

Isaac Ssemakadde, the ULS President, acknowledged receiving petitions from various entities, including the International Bar Association, the East African Law Council, and the Law Society of Kenya.

“Next week, we will lead a high-level delegation to meet the Chief Justice to address the countless human rights violations in the trial of civilians in military courts,” Ssemakadde revealed.

Ssemakadde criticized the Supreme Court, particularly Chief Justice Owiny Dollo, for delays in delivering a ruling in Michael Kabaziguruka’s case against the Attorney General.

“For 25 years, the judiciary has failed to resolve the inconsistency of military trials for civilians with Article 28 of the Constitution. This delay has left deep scars on Ugandans subjected to the UPDF Act,” he noted.

He accused the judiciary of prioritising vacations over justice. “Rule 21 allows the Supreme Court to sit anytime, but constitutional matters have been neglected.

The CJ has consistently failed in his duties, eroding trust in the judiciary,” Ssemakadde said, adding, “We can no longer avoid criticising the judiciary for its blatant inefficiencies and injustices.”

Ssemakadde also expressed alarm over ongoing military operations in Karamoja, describing mass arrests and abuses as a humanitarian crisis.

“The Supreme Court's inaction on these constitutional matters is unacceptable. We demand justice now, not tomorrow. The delay is costing lives,” he asserted emotionally.

The legal fraternity has called for immediate and bold action, including the protection of lawyers working in hostile environments like the GCM, the cessation of military trials for civilians, and the restoration of trust in Uganda’s judiciary.

 

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