Museveni urges African chief justices to link prosperity with justice delivery
President Yoweri Museveni has emphasized the connection between economic prosperity and effective justice systems, telling African Chief Justices that administering justice becomes more feasible when a country is thriving.Speaking on Tuesday at the Southern and Eastern Chief Justices’ Forum (SEACJF) Conference held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, Museveni noted that prosperous nations have the financial capacity to support their judiciaries.“It is easier to work on issues of justice when the economy is growing and creating prosperity,” Museveni said.He admitted that while justice can be pursued even in conditions of poverty, stability and economic growth significantly ease the process.The conference, themed “Enhanced access to justice: Underscoring reforms in African judiciaries,” brought together legal experts from across the continent to discuss modern challenges and judicial reforms.Museveni also underscored the importance of education in fostering a society that understands justice.He advocated for universal education in Uganda, arguing that lack of knowledge and reliance on superstition often lead to societal tensions.“Education will cause enlightenment… some tensions in society are caused by a lack of knowledge, superstition, and belief in witchcraft,” he said.“In Uganda, we have been pushing for universal education so that everyone stays in school for at least 14 years to understand their environment.”Reflecting on Africa’s history, Museveni warned the Chief Justices against the philosophical mistakes of past African leaders, which, he said, left the continent underdeveloped.He compared society to medicine, noting that diagnosing issues correctly is critical to achieving prosperity and justice.“When we came into power, we realized previous leaders focused on identity politics based on religion and tribe rather than economic interests, which left Uganda in turmoil,” he remarked. “We need prosperity, and that comes from producing goods or services, selling them, and ensuring that each adult participates in this cycle.”Museveni urged African legal systems to blend beneficial aspects of European justice models with traditional African practices to ensure comprehensive justice.Uganda’s Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, praised the forum for bringing together leaders from 16 African nations to tackle contemporary judicial issues.He highlighted the progress made by the forum since its inception in 2003.Justice Bheki Maphalala, Chief Justice of Eswatini and Chairperson of the SEACJF, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for Uganda’s hospitality and lauded his administration for improving the welfare of judicial officers, including salary increments and infrastructure upgrades.The SEACJF Annual General Meeting, held during the conference, serves as a platform for sharing legal developments and addressing challenges such as case backlogs and the integration of technology in judicial processes.Justice Mike Chibita, chair of the organizing committee, announced that Uganda had extended invitations to Chief Justices from non-member states, including South Sudan, Burundi, and Somalia, to observe the forum and potentially join as members. https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/museveni-urges-african-chief-justices-to-link-prosperity-with-justice-delivery/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum