The Uganda Law Society President, Isaac K. Ssemakadde noted that Katunji was surrendered to the United States on a Saturday even though a five-judge constitutional petition and an application for interim protection were pending, with a hearing apparently scheduled for the following Monday. 

Ssemakadde called on the judiciary to defend its independence and urged lawyers to stand on the side of justice rather than power.

“This judgment risks legitimizing Uganda’s well-documented record of torture instead of eradicating it,” Asiimwe said, adding that the ruling prioritized the completion of criminal trials over the absolute prohibition of torture.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has launched its 70th anniversary celebrations under the theme “Resist Lawlessness-The Struggle Continues” to...

“This action constitutes a blatant and unconstitutional political persecution prohibited under Article 43 (2)( a ) of the constitution, which explicitly states that nothing in the general limitations clause shall permit political persecution,” he said adding that it further violates Articles 120 (5) and 120 (6) which mandate that the DPP exercise prosecutorial authority with impartiality, integrity and free from partisan or political direction.

The ULS demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Advocate Lukwago within 24 hours, full disclosure of his whereabouts and condition, and a public commitment that lawyers will not be targeted for carrying out their professional duties.

Filmmaker Christopher Mogal Muchwa, who had previously filmed Gongondyo, called for greater community engagement and more effective use of storytelling to influence public attitudes.

“We have been observing a man who is presiding over a sensitive case that involves the execution of the accused, unleashes anger against the accused and behaves as a state machinery to deny Besigye Justice closer to two years,” Lulume said.