Uganda Law Society condemns Judge Singiza over illegal detention of Besigye
The advocates alleged that his conduct was not an isolated incident, citing both his refusal to grant a constitutionally urgent hearing to Advocate Eron Kiiza and his participation in human rights abuses as evidence.
The Uganda Law Society has accused High Court Judge Dr. Douglas Singiza of being responsible for the unconstitutional detention of veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and Advocate Eron Kiiza.
In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, the society's Vice President Asiimwe Anthony called on the Judiciary to review the judge's conduct and take disciplinary action against him for outrightly disregarding the law.
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"We urge the Judiciary leadership to take immediate action to address this grave injustice, including reviewing Judge Singiza's conduct and taking disciplinary action against him," read the statement in part.
In explaining their stance against Judge Singiza, the Society referred to past cases citing illegality in the state's handling of Dr Besigye.
"The Supreme Court's decision in Attorney General v. Hon Michael Kabaziguruka, Constitutional Appeal 2 of 2021, unequivocally nullified the provisions in the Uganda People's Defence Forces Act that created offences under which Dr Besigye and other civilians were charged," noted the body.
The society went on to outline the consequences of that court decision saying that there is no trial to transfer to civilian courts and that the Director of Public Prosecutions has no basis to take over the opposition leader's case.
"Dr Besigye is entitled to immediate and unconditional release. Regrettably, High Court Judge Dr. Douglas Karekona Singiza has arbitrarily denied Dr. Besigye's habeas corpus petition an expeditious hearing, contravening the Constitution and the law," stated the advocates.
Concerning Judge Singiza, the advocates alleged that his conduct was not an isolated incident, citing both his refusal to grant a constitutionally urgent hearing to Advocate Eron Kiiza and his participation in human rights abuses as evidence.
"Judge Singiza's conduct is particularly troubling, given his history of sanctioning human rights abuses, including the torture of Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, which led to the latter's exile," the statement added.
The Society concluded by urging the international community to hold Uganda accountable for its human rights obligations and ensure that justice is served
Meanwhile, the government attempted to downplay concerns over Dr. Besigye's health. Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine dismissed reports of his deteriorating condition, calling them propaganda.
"Dr. Besigye is fine, whatever you are hearing from some people is just propaganda. Claims that we called his family members as alleged are also not true," he said in a media briefing.
However, multiple sources, including political allies, have confirmed that Besigye was transported under heavy security to a private medical facility on Sunday night, where he was seen being wheeled in for treatment following his three-day hunger strike.
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