The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly criticised the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) over what it describes as unconstitutional “trial by media” following the public display of six officials from the Department of Refugees under the Office of the Prime Minister.
In a statement issued by ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde, SC, the Law Society condemned the IGG for parading the officials, including Commissioner Patrick Okello and Assistant Commissioner Douglas Asiimwe, before the media before investigations were completed or any court proceedings had begun.
The ULS argues that the practice violates constitutional protections, particularly the presumption of innocence under Article 28(3)(a) of the Constitution, and undermines due process guarantees meant to protect suspects from premature public judgment.
“The Inspectorate of Government is mandated under Article 225(1)(a) of the Constitution and Section 7(1)(a) of the IG Act to uphold the rule of law and natural justice. However, staging media exposés turns that mandate on its head by weaponising publicity as extrajudicial punishment,” the statement reads.
The Law Society further warns that such public displays risk prejudicing fair trials, contaminating evidence, and inflicting irreversible reputational damage on suspects even before formal charges are tested in court.
It adds that the digital age amplifies the harm, noting that public accusations can destroy careers, stigmatise families, and leave lasting mental health consequences, even where individuals are later acquitted.
“The damage is often irreversible. Even acquittal rarely restores reputations once public judgment has been made,” the statement adds.
ULS also cautions that aggressive public naming and shaming could discourage competent public servants from taking up sensitive roles, particularly in areas such as refugee administration, where accountability risks are already high.
The organisation argues that such practices may also distort the justice process by influencing bail decisions, undermining witness credibility, and encouraging mob justice tendencies.
Citing legal precedent in Ojangole Patricia v Attorney General (HCMC 303/2013), the Law Society reiterated that corruption enforcement must not itself violate legal procedure, warning that “corruption cannot be defeated by methods that corrupt the process.”
The ULS has urged the IGG to adopt strict adherence to due process, maintain confidentiality during investigations where necessary, and ensure that public communication does not portray suspects as guilty before trial.
It further recommended that arrests and public statements be handled with caution and only after legal thresholds are met, stressing that accountability must be pursued within the boundaries of the Constitution.
“The IGG must lead by example, not by media theatrics,” the statement concludes.