A dramatic standoff erupted Tuesday morning at Uganda’s Judiciary headquarters in Kampala when prominent lawyers, including Erias Lukwago and Kenya’s Martha Karua, were denied entry to meet Chief Justice Hon. Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo.
The group sought to follow up on a landmark constitutional ruling declaring the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional.
Security officers blocked the delegation, which included journalists, sparking a tense altercation that highlighted frustrations over perceived judicial opacity. The incident has reignited national debate about transparency and press freedom in Uganda.
Martha Karua, leader of Kenya’s Narc-K party, openly criticized the Judiciary for barring press access and delaying the release of the ruling. “This is a public institution, and the press is an integral component of transparency. Trials should be public, and a judiciary should be open,” she asserted, likening Uganda’s judicial system to a “general court-martial.”
Karua further revealed difficulties in obtaining a temporary legal license from the Ugandan Law Council to represent opposition leader Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale in an upcoming trial. Bureaucratic delays have hindered her ability to prepare for the December 10 hearing, raising questions about the legal system’s accessibility for foreign advocates.
The standoff and its aftermath have intensified scrutiny of the Judiciary’s accountability, putting pressure on the institution to uphold transparency and resolve the brewing tensions.
