Lawyer and exiled writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has issued a sharp critique of the country’s justice and security institutions, warning that the erosion of accountability signals a deeper crisis within the state.
In a statement shared on X, Kakwenza pointed to cases where individuals are allegedly abducted in public by security operatives, only for the state to deny knowledge of their whereabouts when families seek legal redress.
He argued that the use of habeas corpus petitions—designed to protect citizens from unlawful detention—has been undermined by what he described as contradictory actions by state agencies.
According to Kakwenza, the same authorities that deny holding missing persons later present them in court for trial, often in visibly poor health and with allegations of torture.
He questioned why, in such circumstances, no public officials are held responsible, no resignations occur, and no investigations are launched into possible perjury by state actors who previously swore affidavits denying custody.
The outspoken lawyer further criticised judicial leadership, suggesting that the absence of consequences for alleged abuses weakens public confidence in the courts.
He argued that demands for respect and honour from judicial officials ring hollow when serious allegations involving enforced disappearances and mistreatment remain unaddressed.
Kakwenza’s remarks come amid sustained concern from human rights organisations over Uganda’s record on arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and the treatment of political dissidents.