Dear members,
Following a meeting by the Rule of Law Committee, Criminal Law Cluster and Human Rights Cluster it was resolved as follows;
1. That ULS file a constitutional petition challenging various provisions of the UPDF Act.
2. That ULS engages with Government and different stakeholders on issues of rule of law and respect for human rights.
Additionally, we have also taken the following steps:-
A. We have issued three statements following the incidents in Arua, mityana and Kampala where in we have condemning the torture of citizens in custody and the beating of peaceful demonstrators including journalists.
B. A constitutional Petition is being drafted in consultation with a team of advocates and the same should be ready for filing before close of business this week.
C. We have met the UPDF CDF and re-echoed the concerns of ULS regarding torture of suspects, impunity and disregard for the Rule of law. He assured us that an investigation is be carried out and all culprits brought to book.
We as ULS shall be following up with these assurances with a view of ensuring that the perpetrators are produced before court.
D. We visited Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi in Makindye barracks. We found him in an improved state and assured him of ULS commitment to fight for the Rule of law and Human rights.
E. In the same Spirit we visited the family over the weekend.
F. We have scheduled a meeting with the Attorney General as Head of the Bar and Cardinal Advisor to government to advise us on the steps being taken to address the on-going situation.
G. We are yet to meet the IGP but have been given assurance that the UPF shall investigate and prosecute all those culpable of violation of Human Rights and that the process has started.
H. We intend to visit Hon. Zaake in Rubaga and hopefully the 35 held in Gulu.
Additionally, a members EGM has been requested and council has resolved to call for one this Friday the 24th of August 2018( formal notice will be issued).
In line with our mandate of fostering access to justice, we shall continue to demand that the perpetrators of these acts of gross injustice are held accountable and explore all legal avenues to address these wrongs. We shall also continue to demand due process for those accused of crimes
Simon Peter M. Kinobe
President
Uganda Law Society
Plot 5A, John Babiiha Avenue
P.O.Box 426 Kampala, Uganda
Tel; +256-414-342424
Web; www.uls.or.ug
