The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has formally protested what it describes as the unlawful obstruction of its representatives from accessing judicial proceedings in a high-profile murder case before the High Court Criminal Division.
In a letter dated April 15, 2026, ULS Chief Executive Christine Awori addressed senior judicial and prosecutorial authorities, including Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo, and Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jonathan Muwaganya.
The protest relates to events at the Ggaba Mobile High Court Session, where proceedings are ongoing in Criminal Session Case No. 132 of 2026, involving Christopher Okello Onyuma, who is linked to the killing of four young children.
According to the ULS, the Society had filed a human rights enforcement application against the Attorney General through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), alleging violations of several constitutional provisions in the conduct of the trial.
The application cites alleged breaches of fair hearing rights, participation, and judicial independence under various constitutional articles, and was filed under the Society’s statutory mandate to support the administration of justice.
However, the ULS claims its representatives were blocked from accessing the presiding judge and participating in the proceedings.
The Society alleges that the obstruction was carried out under the direction of Tom Magambo, Director of the Criminal Investigations Department, with the involvement of Deputy Registrar Samuel Twakirye.
According to the statement, ULS representatives had initially been granted access through Justice, Law and Order Sector partners, but this access was later revoked.
They were reportedly escorted off the premises by police officers and warned against returning, with threats of arrest and detention.
The ULS argues that these actions contravene both domestic and international legal standards governing the independence of the legal profession and access to justice.
It specifically cites the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act, which requires that where a question of rights violations arises during High Court proceedings, the presiding judge must halt proceedings to determine the matter.
The Society also referenced international frameworks, including the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers and standards set by the International Bar Association.
ULS has called for urgent intervention by judicial authorities to restore order at the Ggaba court session and safeguard the rule of law.
“Let there be order at Ggaba. Respect the rule of law,” the protest said.
The development adds a new dimension to the already sensitive murder case, raising broader concerns about access to justice, due process, and the independence of legal practitioners in Uganda’s criminal justice system.
