The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has awarded Senior Advocate Ladislaus Kizza Rwakafuuzi the Radical New Bar Demilitarisation Award, recognising his lifelong commitment to defending civilian rights and his tireless efforts in challenging the trial of civilians in military courts.
At 63, Rwakafuuzi’s career has been defined by his bold and persistent advocacy for justice, even at great personal cost.
His fight against military jurisdiction over civilians, a practice that gained ground after Uganda’s 2006 general elections, has significantly influenced the country's legal landscape.
Isaac Ssemakadde, President of ULS, praised Rwakafuuzi as a legal giant whose decades-long struggle against systemic injustices often went unacknowledged by institutions.
“Through decades of unwavering advocacy before municipal and international courts, Counsel Rwakafuuzi has fundamentally reshaped Uganda’s legal landscape—though at devastating personal cost,” Ssemakadde remarked.
“Each day meant absorbing the trauma of countless people whose lives were shattered by military court trials, while enduring deliberate case delays and systemic denials designed to break his spirit.”
One of the pivotal moments in Rwakafuuzi’s career was his defense of Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused in 2005, facing charges of terrorism and illegal firearm possession before the General Court Martial.
His effective legal strategy led to the case being moved to the High Court, a landmark moment in Ugandan law that reinforced the importance of judicial independence and allowed presidential aspirants to campaign without military interference.
Rwakafuuzi also played a key role in challenging the legality of military trials for civilians, particularly through the habeas corpus case of Hadijah Namugerwa (2011-2013).
Although the Supreme Court did not rule in Namugerwa’s favor, Rwakafuuzi’s relentless advocacy culminated in the groundbreaking Constitutional Court ruling in the case of Michael Kabaziguruka vs. Attorney General (2016), which declared military trials for civilians unconstitutional.
Further solidifying this principle, Rwakafuuzi’s efforts in the case of Rtd. Capt. Amon Byarugaba & 169 Others vs. Attorney General (2015) reinforced the legal notion that only civilian courts can try civilians.
As Ssemakadde emphasized, “Military Courts are intended as disciplinary bodies for the UPDF and not as a tool for prosecuting civilians.”
Despite his monumental contributions, Rwakafuuzi has faced financial hardships, professional marginalization, and personal health struggles.
Ssemakadde noted that the Uganda Law Society had failed to elevate Rwakafuuzi to Senior Counsel, a glaring oversight that the Radical New Bar seeks to correct.
“That the Uganda Law Society had, until now, remained silent as this giant of jurisprudence was systematically marginalized stands as a stark indictment of our past institutional failures,” Ssemakadde stated.
Rwakafuuzi’s career is a testament to the power of resilience and sacrifice in the pursuit of justice. His influence extends beyond case law, having shaped the very fabric of Uganda’s judicial system and inspiring a new generation of human rights advocates.
"Comrade Ladi, you embody the highest ideals of our profession, reminding us that true justice demands not just legal expertise but the courage to suffer alongside those we defend," Ssemakadde concluded.
Upon receiving the award, Rwakafuuzi reflected on his 20-year battle against impunity, reiterating his commitment to ensuring that justice remains a right for every Ugandan.
He emphasized the importance of fair trials, citing the Constitutional Court’s assertion that all judicial authority is exercised on behalf of the people.
“The Constitutional Court said that everyone who exercises judicial authority does so on behalf of the people, because judicial authority belongs to the people. As long as you have that authority, you must exercise it on constitutional grounds, which include granting the accused person a fair trial,” Rwakafuuzi said.
The event not only honoured Rwakafuuzi but also served as a rallying call for Uganda’s legal fraternity to stand firm in upholding the rule of law and defending justice at all costs.