By Kato Jamil
A dramatic standoff unfolded on Tuesday morning at Uganda’s Judiciary headquarters when a team of lawyers and journalists was denied entry to meet Chief Justice Hon. Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo. The group, led by prominent lawyers Erias Lukwago, Eron Kizza, and Kenyan politician and advocate Martha Karua, sought a follow-up on a landmark constitutional ruling declaring the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional.
Security officers had to intervene as the group attempted to force their way into the Judiciary offices, causing a commotion that highlighted frustrations over perceived judicial opacity. The incident has sparked renewed debate over judicial transparency and press freedom in Uganda.
Martha Karua, a senior advocate and leader of Kenya’s Narc-K party, was vocal in her criticism of the incident. She lambasted the Judiciary for barring press access and delaying the release of a pivotal judgment.
“This is a public place, and the press is an integral component of transparency. Trials should be public, and a judiciary should be open,” Karua asserted, likening Uganda’s judicial system to a “general court-martial.”
Karua also highlighted her struggles in securing a temporary legal license from the Ugandan Law Council, a requirement for her to represent opposition figure Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Obeid Lutale in an upcoming trial. The delay, she said, has hindered her ability to prepare for the December 10 hearing.
The defense team has called for the Judiciary to uphold transparency and expedite judicial processes.
As a foreign advocate, Karua must obtain a special license to represent clients in Uganda. Despite submitting her application, she revealed that unexplained bureaucratic delays have stalled the process.
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