By Spy Uganda
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly criticized High Court Judge Dr. Douglas Karekona Singiza for allegedly violating constitutional principles and human rights by denying Dr. Kizza Besigye’s habeas corpus petition an expeditious hearing. In a statement issued on February 17, 2025, ULS called for immediate judicial action against Judge Singiza, citing his history of disregarding legal and human rights obligations.
The controversy arises from Dr. Besigye’s continued detention, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that nullified the trial of civilians in military courts. According to ULS, the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney General v. Hon Michael Kabaziguruka (Constitutional Appeal 2 of 2021) rendered the legal basis for Besigye’s charges invalid. The ruling eliminated provisions in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Act, under which Besigye and others were being prosecuted. Consequently, ULS argues that there is no valid trial to transfer to civilian courts, and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) lacks grounds to proceed with the case.
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, Judge Singiza allegedly denied Besigye’s right to an urgent hearing, contravening Uganda’s Constitution and fundamental principles of justice. ULS expressed deep concern over this ruling, calling it an arbitrary abuse of judicial power. The legal body also highlighted that this was not an isolated incident, as Judge Singiza had previously denied a similar habeas corpus petition for lawyer Eron Kiiza, a ULS member.
ULS emphasized that habeas corpus applications take precedence over other court matters and should be handled urgently to prevent unlawful detention. The organization further accused Judge Singiza of having a troubling history of facilitating human rights violations, specifically referencing his role in cases such as the alleged torture of writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, which ultimately forced the latter into exile.
In its statement, the ULS urged the Judiciary Leadership to intervene swiftly by reviewing Judge Singiza’s conduct and taking disciplinary action against him. The organization emphasized that his “blatant disregard for the law and human rights” demands immediate accountability.
Furthermore, ULS called upon the international community to hold Uganda responsible for upholding its human rights obligations, stressing that failure to act could set a dangerous precedent for judicial overreach and unlawful detentions in the country.
With mounting pressure from legal experts and human rights defenders, all eyes are now on the Judiciary Leadership to determine how it will address the concerns raised by the Uganda Law Society.
Read Full Statement Below
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Judge Dr. Douglas Singiza is Responsible for Dr. Kizza Besigye’s Situation
Kampala, Uganda – February 17, 2025: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) does not typically comment on active cases conducted by its capable members. However, we are compelled to address the pressing matter of Dr. Kizza Besigye’s alleged unlawful detention, despite a recent Supreme Court judgment nullifying the trial of civilians in military courts.
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 offenses under which Dr. Besigye and other civilians were charged. Consequently, there is no trial to transfer to civilian courts, and the Director of Public Prosecutions has no basis to take over the case. Dr. Besigye is therefore 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. This is not an isolated incident, as Judge Singiza has also denied an expeditious hearing to a similar petition by the ULS on behalf of its member, Adv Eron Kiiza.
It is axiomatic that habeas corpus applications take precedence over all other business of the court. 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.
Accordingly, 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 for his blatant disregard for the law and human rights. The international community must also hold Uganda accountable for its human rights obligations and ensure that justice is served.
Signed,
Asiimwe Anthony
Vice President
Uganda Law Society.
