The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has accused High Court Judge Dr. Douglas Singiza of violating legal principles by unlawfully detaining opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and Advocate Eron Kiiza.
In a statement released on Monday, ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony urged the Judiciary to assess Judge Singiza’s actions and consider disciplinary measures for disregarding the law.
“We call on the Judiciary leadership to take immediate steps to correct this grave injustice by reviewing Judge Singiza’s conduct and holding him accountable,” read part of the statement.
The society referenced previous rulings, particularly the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney General v. Hon Michael Kabaziguruka, Constitutional Appeal 2 of 2021, which declared unconstitutional the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Act provisions under which Besigye and other civilians had been charged.
Citing the ruling’s implications, ULS asserted that there was no legal basis to transfer Besigye’s case to civilian courts or allow the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to take over.
“Dr. Besigye has a right to immediate and unconditional release. Unfortunately, Justice Singiza has arbitrarily delayed hearing his habeas corpus petition, violating constitutional provisions,” the society added.
The ULS also expressed concerns over Judge Singiza’s past rulings, alleging a pattern of human rights violations. They pointed to his involvement in cases such as the torture of novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, which resulted in the writer fleeing into exile.
Furthermore, the society called on the international community to hold Uganda accountable for upholding human rights and ensuring judicial independence.
Meanwhile, Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine dismissed reports regarding Dr. Besigye’s health, labeling them as misinformation.
“Dr. Besigye is fine. Any claims suggesting otherwise are just propaganda. Reports that we contacted his family about his condition are false,” Baine stated.
However, multiple sources, including Besigye’s political allies, indicated that he was transported under tight security to a private medical facility on Sunday night. Witnesses reported seeing him being wheeled in for treatment following a three-day hunger strike.
