The High Court in Mbale was unusually quiet on Friday as lawyers stayed away from courtrooms in solidarity with victims of alleged human rights violations and in protest against what they described as growing attacks on the rule of law.
The advocates had planned to hold a prayer service at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Mbale, but the gathering did not proceed amid claims of police restrictions and logistical challenges.
The normally busy corridors of the High Court remained largely empty, with only a few court officials moving around the premises. Some judicial officers remained in their chambers and offices, but court activity was significantly affected as lawyers under the Uganda Law Society (ULS) observed a nationwide boycott of proceedings.
The lawyers said the day was dedicated to prayer and reflection over concerns regarding human rights protection, judicial independence and the safety of members of the legal profession. The action also coincided with the commemoration of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
Speaking to journalists, Uganda Law Society Vice President for Eastern Uganda, Edmund Nangulu, raised concerns over recent developments affecting human rights and legal practice in the country.
“Recently, the Constitutional Court declared that torture is permissible in this country as long as one can be compensated. If courts can make such pronouncements, it exposes each of us to abuse and torture,” Nangulu said.
He also cited the continued detention of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, saying the denial of bail despite his health condition and circumstances surrounding his arrest had raised concerns among lawyers.
“Counsel Lukwago, despite his disturbing health, was denied bail despite the manner of his arrest for practising his profession. We are all worried and disturbed,” Nangulu said.
The Mbale lawyers were supported by officials from the Uganda Law Society secretariat as they joined the nationwide protest.
Prayer Service Fails to Take Place
By midday, a small group of lawyers had gathered inside St. Andrew’s Cathedral and joined the church choir in singing hymns. However, the planned prayer service did not commence after no church celebrant arrived to lead the prayers.
The lawyers later left the cathedral and addressed journalists before dispersing.
Police patrol vehicles were seen around the cathedral, prompting claims from the Uganda Law Society that security agencies had blocked the gathering.
“Police were deployed across this place and the church was warned against hosting the prayers,” Nangulu claimed.
However, St. Andrew’s Cathedral Vicar Rev. Milton Shisa said the church had received information about the prayer service at short notice and had not had enough time to prepare or understand the purpose of the gathering.
He acknowledged the presence of police officers at the cathedral but said he could not confirm that security personnel had stopped the prayers.
“It was abrupt. We needed to understand their objective to enable us align our prayer and message,” Rev. Shisa said.
Elgon Regional Police spokesperson Rogers Taitika also dismissed claims that police blocked the event, saying officers were deployed to maintain law and order and did not enter the church to stop the gathering.
He said security presence around public events was normal and was not intended to interfere with religious activities.
Despite the cancellation of the prayer service, lawyers proceeded with the nationwide boycott, leading to disruption of legal services at the High Court in Mbale.
The industrial action forms part of a wider campaign by the Uganda Law Society calling for respect for human rights, protection of lawyers in the execution of their duties, and adherence to constitutional principles and the rule of law.
