A group of concerned lawyers within the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has petitioned the society’s president, Mr. Bernard Oundo, urging him to convene an extraordinary meeting to address what they perceive as an attack on the independence of the Judiciary. The focal point of their concern is President Museveni’s letter to Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, specifically addressing the court order involving the attachment and auction of prime properties, including the national mosque in Old Kampala.
Led by Mr. Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde, 14 lawyers have signed the petition, just one signature short of the required 15 for summoning an extraordinary meeting under Section 16 of the ULS constitution.
President Museveni expressed astonishment at the court order targeting the national mosque, questioning the logic behind attaching religious properties for debts incurred by officials of that faith. In his letter to the Chief Justice, he requested a review of the matter and emphasized the need to restore sanity. The court order arose from a land transaction where the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) allegedly sold land in Sembabule District, resulting in a debt dispute with businessman Justus Kyabahwa.
Following the President’s intervention, the Court of Appeal issued a temporary order halting the attachment and sale of Muslim property, prompting the concerned lawyers to call for respect for the judiciary by the executive.
The lawyers express alarm over the Uganda Law Society’s governing council’s failure to issue a public statement on the matter and criticize the president of the Uganda Law Society for not addressing the issue publicly. They highlight Article 128(2) of the 1995 Constitution, emphasizing that no person or authority should interfere with the courts or judicial officers in the exercise of their judicial functions.
When contacted, Mr. Oundo declined to comment, stating that he would chair the extraordinary meeting.
This development parallels recent events in Kenya, where lawyers responded strongly to President William Ruto’s remarks challenging court orders issued by what he deemed “corrupt judges.” Kenyan lawyers called for countrywide protests against the President’s statements.
The petition by Ugandan lawyers marks a significant moment, reminiscent of their last protest nearly two decades ago. The protest was in response to the military interference in the trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and others, following an attack on the High Court in Kampala by the notorious “black mambas.”
