Uganda’s legal body released a report on the state of the rule of law, highlighting progress and gaps in the justice system.
Kampala - The Uganda Law Society has issued a strong call for the government to uphold the rule of law without exception, demanding equal application of legal consequences for all perpetrators of human rights violations, including state actors. During a press briefing in Kampala, ULS Vice President Anthony Asimwe emphasised the urgent need for government institutions to adhere to proper legal procedures and stop manipulating judicial processes.
The legal body released its comprehensive "State of the Rule of Law in Uganda" report, which highlights both progress and concerning gaps in the country's justice system. The report comes at a critical time as Uganda prepares for another electoral cycle, with the legal fraternity warning against further erosion of constitutional rights.
Media freedom emerged as a particular concern, with Robert Ssempala of the Human Rights Network for Journalists noting increasing attacks on press freedom. "Journalists continue to face obstacles in their work, especially as elections approach," Ssempala stated, calling for guaranteed protection of media rights as enshrined in the constitution.
Constitutional lawyer George Musisi pointed to the persistent problem of unlawful detentions, stressing that the practice of holding citizens without trial fundamentally undermines Uganda's justice system. The ULS report also documents cases of extrajudicial actions and the weaponisation of legal processes against government critics.
The briefing attracted officials from key justice sector institutions, including the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the Human Rights Commission. ULS leaders urged these bodies to implement their recommendations promptly, warning that continued disregard for the rule of law threatens the foundations of Uganda's democracy.
As the nation moves closer to the 2026 elections, this assessment from Uganda's premier legal association serves as both a warning and a roadmap for restoring proper constitutional order. The Society vowed to escalate its advocacy efforts, including potential strategic litigation and international accountability mechanisms, should the government fail to address these critical issues.
