The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned what it describes as selective enforcement of justice and the deployment of military courts to target opposition figures, as hundreds of political prisoners continue being detained without trial.
During a press conference held on May 21st, 2026, at ULS House under the Radical New Bar, speakers maintained that political corruption, including nepotism, cronyism, and vote-buying, is the principal source of Uganda’s governance crisis rather than bureaucratic theft.
Professor Ndebesa Mwambutsya of Makerere University stated that political corruption is “the mother of financial corruption” and warned that addressing symptoms alone will never cure the problem.
Samuel Muyizzi, a defense lawyer and former political prisoner, disclosed that judicial officers had informed him that certain detainees would only regain freedom after elections or following presidential swearing-in.
He pointed out that the High Court declines to hear habeas corpus applications even where unlawful detention remains uncontested.
Muyizzi further stated that several political prisoners possess neither case files nor remand warrants but still continue languishing in detention.
Alex Luganda, speaking virtually, said the judiciary has been “weaponized by the state” and noted that bail guidelines are currently being enforced above the Constitution.
Bayan Turinawe, a member of Dr. Kizza Besigye’s defense team, referenced enforced disappearances and misuse of plea bargaining, including a suspect who was remanded for nine months over an offense carrying a maximum sentence of one year.
The Law Society called for political reforms rather than purely legal interventions in order to transform Uganda’s governance culture from privilege to social justice.
The gathering marked the 15th edition of the Radical New Bar Live engagement, with speakers encouraging lawyers to remain steadfast despite intimidation and threats from the state.
