Uganda Law Society Recognizes Rwakafuuzi for Advocacy Against Military Courts
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has handed its Radical New Bar Demilitarization Award to Senior Advocate Ladislaus Kiiza Rwakafuuzi for his tireless efforts in fighting for an independent and demilitarized judiciary in Uganda.
The citation, presented by ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, recognizes Rwakafuuzi’s lifetime commitment to defending the rights of the most vulnerable in society. Rwakafuuzi, now 63 years old, has dedicated his entire legal career to standing up against the trial of civilians in military courts, a practice that has ravaged communities across Uganda.
Ssemakadde who was represented by Lawyer Gorreti Nakamya, the Spokesperson of Radical New Bar Think Tank, praised Rwakafuuzi’s bravery in the face of adversity, noting that his health has faltered, and he has suffered a stroke, but his spirit remains unbroken.
The award, she said, is a testament to Rwakafuuzi’s unwavering commitment to justice and his role in reshaping Uganda’s legal landscape.
Ssemakadde highlighted Rwakafuuzi’s pivotal defense of Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye and his numerous co-accused, who faced grave charges of terrorism and illegal possession of firearms before the General Court Martial in November 2005. Through Rwakafuuzi’s momentous leadership of Uganda’s human rights bar, Dr. Besigye secured the transfer of his case to the High Court, establish the landmark precedent on bail.
Ssemakadde also noted that Rwakafuuzi’s defiance of the UPDF Act ignited a beacon of hope for thousands of civilians trapped within the deeply flawed system. Although the battle reached the Supreme Court in Namugerwa Hadijah v. Attorney General (Civil Appeal 4 of 2012), victory remained elusive.
Yet Rwakafuuzi’s persistence ultimately bore fruit in the watershed case of Michael Kabaziguruka v. Attorney General (Constitutional Petition 45 of 2016), where the Constitutional Court finally struck down the practice of trying civilians in military courts as unconstitutional.
Ssemakadde emphasized that Rwakafuuzi’s award is not just a recognition of his past achievements but also a call to action for the Uganda Law Society to pursue his long-overdue appointment as Senior Counsel under the Advocates (Senior Counsel) Regulations 2018.
In his acceptance remarks, Rwakafuuzi expressed his concerns about the state of justice in Uganda, emphasizing the importance of legitimate expectation and the rule of law which he described as the bedrock of justice.
He reflected on his experiences during the overthrow of Idi Amin and the subsequent ‘imposition’ of peace by the National Resistance Army rebels. Rwakafuuzi revealed that he survived a bullet during the tumultuous period in Wandegeya during those days. He however lamented that the people who ushered in that peace have started bouncing it back, saying he is not surprised after all, ushers are also bouncers.
As a seasoned lawyer, Rwakafuuzi shared that he has represented clients in several high-profile cases, including Karugaba Vs Attorney General. He questioned the constitutionality of executing soldiers who robbed and killed an Irish priest, Father Anthony, in Karamoja. Rwakafuuzi stated that he successfully argued the case, and the Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the execution was illegal as there was no war in Karamoja during that time that called for a field Marshal to sit and execute someone.
Rwakafuuzi also discussed that the General Court Martial (GCM) was started around 2001and that it was supposed to deal with a crisis that arose from the elections where many people had guns, a crisis he said was created by the Government at that time.
He noted that the late Gen Elly Tumwine was the first Court Martial Chairperson and dismissed some cases that were not fit to be before him, including a case when someone was arrested from a construction site and charged before the Court Martial over robbery of a doorbell.
Here, the frail speaking Rwakafuuzi stated that the late Gen Tumwine dismissed the case and it was later taken to Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court.
Rwakafuuzi expressed his disappointment with the current state of affairs, particularly with regards to the 2021 elections, which were marred by violence and bloodshed. He noted that the elections saw blood on the streets, highlighting the need for free and fair elections.
Additionally, Rwakafuuzi recalled the 2001 elections, which were marked by a lot of thuggery. He criticized the notion that certain weapons, such as star pistols, are a monopoly of the UPDF.
Rwakafuuzi cited the case of Hadija Namugerwa, a relative of Sali Muhammad an accused person whom he represented in the Court Martial, who was found with a star pistol.
He argued that the prosecution’s case relied on the premise that the pistol was a monopoly of the UPDF, which is not supported by law.
According to Rwakafuuzi, this is not the case, as pistols can be licensed for civilian use. Rwakafuuzi drew a distinction between pistols and military equipment like tanks and grenades, which should indeed be a monopoly of the Defense Forces. He said that for sure if a person is found with a tank or a grenade at least, the Court Martial can try him.
Rwakafuuzi has called upon all people to come together to support the rule of law and ensure that legal processes are followed to prevent abuse of power and protect citizens’ rights to avoid taking the nation back to war.
ULS awards history
Recently, the Bar withdrew its award which they had given to Justice Musa Ssekaana of the High Court Civil Division after they accused him of professional misconduct.
The Demilitarization Award to Rwakafuuzi comes at a time when the Supreme Court is on January 31st 2025 expected to deliver judgement in the case that will determine whether civilians should continue to be tried in the General Court Martial or not. The decision will arise from an appeal filed by the Government against former MP Michael Kabaziguruka who successfully challenged his treachery trial in the General Court Martial.
Uganda Law Society Recognizes Rwakafuuzi for Advocacy Against Military Courts
News
Open Letter to the Ministries Affected by the Suspension of USAID Funds in Uganda » The Hoima Post –
To: The Honorable Ministers of Finance, Health, Education, Gender, and All Affected Ministries
Cc: The Office of the President, Parliament of Uganda, and Development Partners
Subject: Addressing the Suspension of USAID Funds and Allegations of Misallocation
Dear Honorable Ministers,
I write to you with deep concern regarding the recent suspension of USAID funding to Uganda and the allegations raised by President Donald Trump about Uganda receiving substantial funds for projects lacking clear justification, including those termed as “behavioral and social change” initiatives. These developments not only jeopardize the continuity of essential development programs but also necessitate a critical examination of our financial accountability and sustainability mechanisms.
For decades, Uganda has benefited from USAID support across various sectors, notably health, education, agriculture, and governance. However, the recent suspension of funds underscores the vulnerability inherent in our dependence on foreign aid, particularly when such aid is subject to abrupt policy shifts. The allegations concerning the allocation of funds to ambiguous projects demand immediate attention to uphold the integrity of our development agenda.
Key Issues of Concern:
1. Aid Dependency and Sovereignty: The suspension of USAID funding highlights Uganda’s over-reliance on foreign aid, which undermines our sovereignty in determining and implementing development priorities. It is imperative to cultivate self-reliant strategies that reduce susceptibility to external political dynamics.
2. Transparency and Accountability: Allegations of misallocated funds necessitate a thorough audit to ensure that all financial resources are utilized effectively and align with national development goals. This process is crucial to maintain public trust and the confidence of development partners.
3. Impact on Critical Sectors: The affected ministries must assess and communicate the potential disruptions in service delivery resulting from the funding suspension. Proactive measures should be developed to mitigate adverse effects on health services, educational programs, and other essential public services.
4. Alignment of Development Priorities: It is essential to ensure that donor-funded projects correspond with Uganda’s strategic development objectives. Projects lacking clear justification or tangible benefits should be re-evaluated to optimize resource allocation.
Way Forward:
Comprehensive Audit: Conduct a detailed audit of all USAID-funded programs to identify any discrepancies and implement corrective measures where necessary.
Strengthening Domestic Funding: Explore and implement strategies to enhance domestic revenue generation, thereby reducing reliance on foreign aid and ensuring sustainable funding for critical sectors.
Engagement with Development Partners: Initiate constructive dialogue with USAID and other donors to rebuild trust and ensure future funding aligns with Uganda’s development priorities.
Enforcement of Accountability Measures: Hold accountable any individuals or entities found responsible for mismanaging funds to reinforce a culture of transparency and responsibility.
This situation presents an opportunity for Uganda to reassess its development strategy and assert greater control over its future. While foreign aid has contributed to national development, it should complement, not dictate, our agenda. By taking decisive action to ensure effective and transparent use of all resources, we can foster a more self-reliant and resilient nation.
Sincerely,
Alexander Luyima
Director, Community Programs & Information
African Descent Ontario
Toronto, Canada
https://hoimapost.co.ug/open-letter-to-the-ministries-affected-by-the-suspension-of-usaid-funds-in-uganda/
https://hoimapost.co.ug/open-letter-to-the-ministries-affected-by-the-suspension-of-usaid-funds-in-uganda/ , hoimapost.co.ug
https://hoimapost.co.ug/open-letter-to-the-ministries-affected-by-the-suspension-of-usaid-funds-in-uganda/ , https://hoimapost.co.ug/open-letter-to-the-ministries-affected-by-the-suspension-of-usaid-funds-in-uganda/ ,
hoimapost.co.ug , https%3A%2F%2Fhoimapost.co.ug%2Fopen-letter-to-the-ministries-affected-by-the-suspension-of-usaid-funds-in-uganda%2F
By Our Reporter
A family in Katabi Sub County, Entebbe Municipality in Wakiso District is living in shock after a section of its members have been implicated in rebel activities but asked to surrender part of their ancestral land to State House Land protection Unit officials led by Brig Gen Moses Lukyamuzi as a condition to be set free.
The family of the late Charles Kisitu Ffulu has now appealed to President Museveni and all authorities to intervene and prevail over the security officials who allegedly arrested, tortured and detained them on purported rebel related charges before demanding for a one and a half acre land at Nkumba – Bbendegere in Katabi Sub County.
The family members have accused the State House Land Protection Unit officials of opening up rebel and terrorism related charges and started demanding for a one and half acre plot of land and the estate administrator, Willy Kisitu.
It is alleged that high profile security officials working with a section of police officers and local leadership with land brokers have since started to bring pseudo buyers and superimpose them on the family ancestral land at Nkumba – Bbendegere in Katabi Sub County.
Family members said that the pseudo people come with forged sale or purchase agreements which they present and upon challenging them, they are arrested and taken to police for criminal trespass and threatening violence cases.
It is alleged that the officials come purporting to help the pseudo bibanja holders for their selfish benefits.
On February 26, 2025, a group of armed soldiers both in uniform and plain clothes invaded the land and arrested the caretaker of the land, Ivan Ntege and two of his workers; Paul Mukisa and Abbas Senabulya.
It is alleged that the three men were kept in a nearby bush before they were driven in a drone to Mengo, in Kampala at the offices of the State House Land protection Unit.
Ntege, who is now nursing his right eye, said that the land measuring about seven acres belongs to the family of the late Charles Kisitu Ffulu but there is a cartel of unscrupulous persons who are using all the tricks to grab their land.
“I was arrested by soldiers who beat me and my workers; they tortured us while accusing us of forming a rebel group. Imagine they found us working on our land and they started asking for pangas accusing us of belonging to the M23 rebel group, that we are of Rwandese origin, and that we have to explain when we entered Uganda,” Ntege cried.
He added: “Imagine asking where I came from when they found me on the land where I was born and raised? They found us using walkie Talkies because the telephone network near the lake is bad and they used that as a basis to beat us and ask for the administrator of the land.”
According to Ntege, their arrest was disguised as if there was a case but to their surprise the soldiers did not even report to the area police and not even the Police in Entebbe but they were driven to Kampala amid beatings.
“Upon reaching Mengo, they (soldiers) subjected us to interrogation mainly on our tribes and asking us how the Rwandese came to the land and more so one of the soldiers said Ntege leero tukufunye (Ntege we have got you) and we are going to imprison you for a month until you sign for us an agreement,” he narrated.
He revealed that they were paraded before Brig Lukyamuzi at Mengo but he did not mention anything but the soldiers continued interrogating them until they called another man they identified as counsel who asked them to sign a sales agreement for land in order to be released.
Ntege added that from Mengo they were driven to Kireka SIU by the soldier identified as Amudan Mukiibi kept threatening to kill them and that to their surprise, the following day, the head of the detention facility at Kireka released them and gave them transport.
“The soldier at Kireka sent us back to Mengo to pick our property but on reaching there, everyone abandoned us and they instead decided to make telephone calls until they rearrested us and took us back to Kireka instead of giving us our property. We were driven back to Kireka and accused us of overthrowing the government,” said Ntege.
He said that the detention head they identified as Musa told them that Afande Ddamulira (head of crime intelligence) ordered for their release and that they were released without any documentation but ordered to return to the Mengo office on March 21.
“We are wondering, if there is a case against us, why then are they asking us to sign land sale agreements and present them to the administrator who does not stay in the area? And they said on March 21, there will be a meeting but for what? I appeal to the State House Anticorruption Unit and Criminal Investigations and CMI to intervene in this matter,” he appealed.
Ntege revealed that the soldiers are working with a relative identified as Patrick Kisitu and a former family lawyer Fahad Wasswa with a host of brokers to disenfranchise them of the land ownership.
On his part, Mukisa said that they are living in fear of being abducted again and being hurt because they kept asking us to show them guns and pangas which they did not have.
“I sustained injuries and the stomach got a problem in my body. I have been on medication since then,” he added.
When contacted on Friday, Brig Gen Lukyamuzi could not comment on the matter saying he was not in position.
He said that he needed time to consult his staff to know the person handling the said complaint and how far with the investigations and promised to return to us after making consultations.
Patrick Kisitu, a family member among the accused parties dismissed the accusations saying that he was also among the people who were being sought by the soldiers.
He explained that the accusations against him and the lawyer (Wasswa) are baseless and stemming from the struggle on who should take care of the family estate.
“I have taken care of the family property for many years and I have been in these battles alone but they are fighting me because of a mere three acre land which I sold and provided the accountability for the money,” Kisitu explained.
He revealed that the arrest is about the Kibanja holder who was denied access but Kisitu could not divulge into the matter.
News
Family Accuses State House Land Unit of Wanting to Grab Their Land by Implicating Them in Rebel Allegations, Appeals to President Museveni for Intervention
A family in Katabi Sub County, Entebbe Municipality, is in shock after members were allegedly implicated in rebel activities by officials from the State House Land Protection Unit. In exchange for their freedom, the family has been asked to surrender part of their ancestral land in what they believe is a coordinated land-grabbing scheme involving high-profile security officials, local leaders, and land brokers.
The family, led by the estate administrator, Willy Kisitu, of the late Charles Kisitu Ffulu, claims that on February 26, 2025, armed soldiers, both in uniform and plain clothes, invaded their land at Nkumba – Bbendegere in Katabi Sub County. They arrested land caretaker Ivan Ntege and two of his workers, Paul Mukisa and Abbas Senabulya, accusing them of being involved in rebel activities. They allege that the officials demanded a one-and-a-half-acre plot of land as a condition for their release.
Ntege, who is recovering from injuries sustained during the arrest, described the ordeal, alleging that they were tortured and interrogated under the false pretense of being part of the M23 rebel group. The soldiers reportedly questioned their tribal origins, accused them of being Rwandese, and forced them to sign a sale agreement for the land in exchange for their freedom.
The family members accuse the State House Land Protection Unit officials of opening fake charges related to terrorism and rebellion to facilitate the land grab. They claim that a network of security officials, police officers, and local brokers have begun bringing in pseudo-buyers with forged sale agreements, forcing the family to relinquish their land. When the family attempted to resist, they were arrested and charged with criminal trespass and threatening violence.
The family believes that these acts are part of a larger scheme to fraudulently seize their ancestral land, which has been in their possession for generations. Ntege revealed that they were initially taken to Mengo, Kampala, where they were further interrogated and pressured to sign land sale agreements. The family was later transferred to Kireka SIU, where they were threatened with imprisonment if they refused to comply.
After several days of detention, the family was unexpectedly released without documentation and ordered to return to Mengo on March 21, 2025. Ntege is now calling for intervention from President Museveni, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) to put an end to the land grab and hold those responsible accountable.
The family also claims that the soldiers are collaborating with a relative, Patrick Kisitu, and a former family lawyer, Fahad Wasswa, who are allegedly working with brokers to seize the land. In response, Patrick Kisitu denied the accusations, insisting that he had been solely responsible for managing the family estate for years and was not involved in any illegal activities.
As the family continues to fight for their rights, they are living in fear of further abductions and violence. The family is appealing for justice, seeking the intervention of President Museveni to prevent the unlawful seizure of their land and protect them from further harassment.
https://hoimapost.co.ug/family-accuses-state-house-land-unit-of-wanting-to-grab-their-land-by-implicating-them-in-rebel-allegations-appeals-to-president-museveni-for-intervention/
https://hoimapost.co.ug/family-accuses-state-house-land-unit-of-wanting-to-grab-their-land-by-implicating-them-in-rebel-allegations-appeals-to-president-museveni-for-intervention/ , hoimapost.co.ug
https://hoimapost.co.ug/family-accuses-state-house-land-unit-of-wanting-to-grab-their-land-by-implicating-them-in-rebel-allegations-appeals-to-president-museveni-for-intervention/ , https://hoimapost.co.ug/family-accuses-state-house-land-unit-of-wanting-to-grab-their-land-by-implicating-them-in-rebel-allegations-appeals-to-president-museveni-for-intervention/ ,
hoimapost.co.ug , https%3A%2F%2Fhoimapost.co.ug%2Ffamily-accuses-state-house-land-unit-of-wanting-to-grab-their-land-by-implicating-them-in-rebel-allegations-appeals-to-president-museveni-for-intervention%2F
-
News19 hours agoInvestigations Expose How Bank of Africa Staff Stole Millions of Clients
-
News7 hours agoState House Land Unit Implicates Family In Rebel Acts To Grab Land, Appeals To Museveni
-
News19 hours agoShock as Former Bank of Africa Staff Accused of Stealing Clients’ Money in Massive Fraud Scheme » The Hoima Post –
-
News10 hours agoExamining the Impact of By-Elections on Uganda’s Political Stability » The Hoima Post –
-
News7 hours agoOpen Letter to the Ministries Affected by the Suspension of USAID Funds in Uganda » The Hoima Post –
-
News7 hours agoFamily Accuses State House Land Unit of Wanting to Grab Their Land by Implicating Them in Rebel Allegations, Appeals to President Museveni for Intervention