The Uganda Law Society (ULS) joyfully celebrates the news that the High Court has this afternoon capitulated and agreed to fix Dr. Kizza Besigye’s human rights enforcement application on June 30, following sustained defiance by the defence team and the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF). This marks a significant victory in the Besigye treason trial after yesterday’s resolute press conference at PFF headquarters on Katonga Road, which was attended by our Ag. Secretary Hon. Ssali Babu.
In a clear demonstration of the power of assertive advocacy, the court, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Baguma, issued production warrants for Dr. Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale after they boycotted the scheduled commencement of the trial on June 11. On Monday, the defence had vigorously argued that the human rights application, which names Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba among the respondents, and challenges grave violations including alleged abduction from Kenya in November 2024, incommunicado detention, torture, denial of access to lawyers and family, and biased rushed proceedings, must be heard and determined first under the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act (Cap 12).
Banging tables works. Stop pretending to be polite while injustice wins behind endless procedure. The firm stand taken by the legal team and PFF leadership at Katonga proves that assertive, unapologetic advocacy delivers results and keeps the flame of constitutionalism alive. Raising voices, filing petitions, demanding full disclosure of evidence, adequate preparation time, and rejecting business-as-usual gets it done.
We salute the legal team, led by Senior Counsel Martha Karua, Erias Lukwago, and others, for their tenacity amid repeated denials of access to clients in Luzira Prison, incomplete and inordinately delayed disclosures, and allegations of bias.
Why is this big news? Dr. Besigye and Hajji Lutale face capital treason charges (carrying the death penalty) stemming from alleged activities between 2023–2024, transferred from a military court following the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling against trying civilians in military tribunals. No Ugandan, especially opposition voices, should endure indefinite detention against court orders, abduction across borders, or a trial rushed without adequate facilities to prepare a defence. Besigye’s case is the ultimate litmus test for whether Uganda upholds democracy and the rule of law or descends into dictatorship disguised as legality. A victory here strengthens every lawyer’s sacred duty to defend liberty.
To Besigye’s lawyers and all advocates in this struggle: Take the zero-tolerance route to judicial arrogance. Continue to file, petition the Judicial Service Commission where necessary, expose irregularities, and escalate without fear. These are your inalienable rights under the Constitution, fortified by the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers and IBA Standards for the Independence of the Legal Profession.
Pursuant to Section 3 of our enabling law, the ULS stands ready to offer support to restore judicial integrity. Let every citizen remain vigilant in demanding Dr. Besigye’s right to a fair trial and the release of all political prisoners.
Isaac K. Ssemakadde, SC
President, Uganda Law Society