ULS Visits Detained Lawyer Iduli, Investigates Arrest Circumstances

Security personnel searched his house and discovered a UPDF uniform, a handbook on the law of war, and a pen labelled “People’s Front for Freedom” (PFF).

A team from the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has visited retired Major Ronald Iduli, a lawyer and former military officer, detained at Bulenga Police Post.

Mr Iduli’s arrest has sparked widespread attention, with questions surrounding the charges and circumstances of his detention.

Iduli, discharged from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in 2016, was apprehended during a joint police and UPDF operation in the early hours of the morning.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango said the arrest followed a complaint from Ms Lydia Kabira, a nurse and landlord in Kireka-Bbira village.

Ms Kabira accused Iduli of threatening her after failing to pay rent for eight months.

"He was arrested and is detained at Bulenga Police Post on charges of threatening violence. He will be arraigned in court very soon,” Onyango said.

During a visit by the ULS legal aid team, Mr Iduli described his arrest as stemming from a misunderstanding over rent arrears and military-related items found in his possession.

“Security came in the wee hours and banged the doors hard, so I opened. They immediately handcuffed me and asked who I was. I said I am retired Major Ronald Iduli. They asked for my discharge certificate, which I showed them,” Iduli recounted.

Security personnel searched his house and discovered a UPDF uniform, a handbook on the law of war, and a pen labelled “People’s Front for Freedom” (PFF).

Iduli explained that the items were linked to his past service and denied any wrongdoing.

However, ULS said at the time of their visit, Mr Iduli had not yet recorded a statement with Police.

UPDATE ON THE ABDUCTED BESIGYE'S LAWYER, Rtd. Maj. Ronald Iduli:

As our #RadicalNewBar President, @IsaacSsemakadde pledged in our earlier statement, our perpendicular legal Aid Advocate @ObadiahKamukama liaised with our member, Counsel Kayanja Osma Saed and the Iduli family and… pic.twitter.com/eNkRtQVOGL

— Uganda Law Society (@ug_lawsociety) December 10, 2024

Ms Kabira claimed that Iduli, her tenant of three years, began wearing military uniforms and issuing threats after failing to pay rent for 10 months. This, she said, prompted her to seek help from the authorities.

The ULS expressed concern over Iduli’s detention. ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde reassured Iduli of robust legal representation and emphasized the need for transparency and due process.

“ULS stands in solidarity with our member and assures him of robust legal representation. We call for transparency and adherence to due process in handling this matter,” Ssemakadde said in a statement.

Iduli’s arrest has stirred online debate, with some alleging political motives due to his association with opposition figures.

The discovery of the pen labeled "People’s Front for Freedom," linked to political activism, has added a political dimension to the case.

However, police have maintained that the charges relate solely to threatening violence and the rent dispute.

As investigations continue, Iduli is expected to be presented in court soon. The case has underscored tensions between legal rights, political affiliations, and the responsibilities of retired military officers in civilian life, while highlighting the importance of adhering to due process.