The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has welcomed the High Court’s decision to fix the hearing of Dr. Kizza Besigye’s human rights enforcement application for June 30, describing the development as an important step in the pursuit of justice and constitutional accountability.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde said the decision followed sustained efforts by the defence team and the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), who had insisted that the human rights application be heard before the commencement of the treason trial.
“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,” the statement said
The application, filed under the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act, raises allegations of serious rights violations, including the alleged abduction of Dr. Besigye from Kenya in November 2024, incommunicado detention, torture, denial of access to lawyers and family members, and concerns about the fairness of the legal proceedings.
The application names several respondents, including Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The High Court, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Baguma, issued production warrants for Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, after the two declined to participate in the scheduled commencement of the treason trial on Thursday.
“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” said Ssemakadde.
According to the defence, the human rights issues raised in the application must first be determined before the criminal proceedings can continue. The lawyers argued that proceeding with the trial before addressing the alleged violations would undermine the accused persons’ right to a fair hearing.
The ULS commended the legal team, led by Senior Counsel Martha Karua and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, for what it described as a determined defence of constitutional rights despite reported challenges, including limited access to their clients, delayed disclosure of evidence, and concerns about procedural fairness.
The society said the case has become a critical test of Uganda’s commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the protection of fundamental rights.
“Every accused person is entitled to a fair trial, adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence, and protection from unlawful detention or mistreatment,” said Ssemakadde. He urged legal practitioners, judicial officers, and citizens to remain vigilant in safeguarding constitutional freedoms and ensuring that justice is administered impartially.
The society reiterated its readiness, under its statutory mandate, to support efforts aimed at strengthening judicial integrity and promoting respect for human rights and the rule of law in Uganda
