Uganda Law Society to Establish Independent Commission to Combat Judicial Corruption and Restore Accountability
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has announced plans to establish an independent commission to investigate judicial misconduct and recommend reforms in response to growing concerns about corruption and unethical practices within the judiciary.
Addressing members of the legal fraternity and the public at the ULS Headquarters in Kampala on Tuesday, ULS President, Senior Counsel Isaac Ssemakadde, stated that the initiative is part of broader efforts to restore integrity and accountability to Uganda’s justice system.
The proposed commission will comprise respected legal experts, civil society leaders, and ordinary citizens committed to justice. According to Ssemakadde, the commission’s primary goal is to ensure that the judiciary serves the people, rather than powerful or corrupt interests.
Ssemakadde revealed plans for a nationwide campaign to expose judicial corruption and misconduct. He said the campaign would utilize traditional and social media platforms, protests, and boycotts to raise awareness and demand accountability.
Additionally, the ULS intends to collaborate with Parliament to enact laws that enhance judicial transparency and independence, including measures to protect whistleblowers.
Ssemakadde criticized the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for its inefficiency in resolving complaints, particularly those against Justice Musa Ssekaana. He cited Ssekaana’s actions, including blocking the ULS Extraordinary General Meeting, as emblematic of systemic judicial misconduct.
He directed the JSC, led by Justice Benjamin Kabito, to expedite investigations into complaints against Justice Ssekaana, dating back to 2018, and to publish findings by January 15, 2025. Ssemakadde emphasized that this deadline is non-negotiable, warning of further action if it is not met. As a symbolic gesture of protest, the ULS has revoked the 2021 Award of Excellence previously granted to Justice Ssekaana and directed that all references to the award be removed from his public and professional records. The ULS also called on its members to boycott the judge for a minimum of one month.
During the address, several ULS members shared personal experiences of judicial misconduct. Lawyer Zaina Nabukenya recounted being detained on a Registrar’s orders for appearing in court without a practicing certificate, an incident that caused significant embarrassment in front of her client. Despite filing a complaint with the JSC in December 2023, the matter remains unresolved. Another justice seeker, Shamil Atabua, accused Justice Ssekaana of delaying the hearing of his case despite repeated requests, including those from opposing counsel. He also criticized Principal Judge Dr. Flavian Zeija for failing to address Justice Ssekaana’s alleged misconduct, claiming the two share close ties.
The judicial tensions escalated following Justice Ssekaana’s decision to block the ULS Extraordinary General Meeting and elections scheduled for December 17, 2024. The decision stemmed from a challenge by ULS member Hashim Mugisha, who questioned the legality of the meeting and the process through which certain posts fell vacant. This controversy follows Ssemakadde’s earlier decision to recall lawyers Ruth Sebantindira and Norah Matovu Winyi from the JSC, arguing that their appointments violated ULS regulations. He cited a February 2024 High Court ruling declaring the current appointment practices unconstitutional.
Ssemakadde closed his address with a rallying call for systemic reforms, stating, “The time for timid whispers and polite complaints is over. The time for radical action has begun.”
The ULS also announced plans to launch an online complaint platform for whistleblowers to safely report instances of judicial misconduct. Ssemakadde assured members and the public that all complaints would be thoroughly investigated and addressed, reaffirming the ULS’s commitment to restoring accountability and public confidence in the judiciary.
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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.
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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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.
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