The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has raised a serious concern over an incident of judicial obstruction at the Ggaba Mobile High Court, where its representatives were barred from accessing the presiding judge in the criminal session of case No. 132 of 2026, Uganda v. Christopher Okello Onyum. On April 15, 2026, ULS personnel were denied entry to the court by police officers, despite their legal mandate to represent the Bar and assist in the administration of justice.
This obstruction occurred while ULS was pursuing a human rights enforcement application (No. 170 of 2026) concerning constitutional violations in the Okello Onyum case. The application was filed in an attempt to uphold rights guaranteed under Articles 21, 38, and 28 of the Ugandan Constitution. ULS had intended to address the presiding judge on these critical matters, but their access was abruptly revoked without any lawful justification.
The situation escalated when police, led by Deputy Registrar High Court Criminal Division HW Samuel Twakirye, threatened ULS representatives with arrest and detention if they insisted on staying at the mobile court or attempting to pursue the filed application. This aggressive move by the authorities raised alarms about the state of judicial independence and the right of legal professionals to perform their duties without fear of interference.
Christine Awori, the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Law Society, issued a formal complaint detailing the events and requesting urgent intervention from judicial bodies to restore access to the court. ULS emphasized the importance of maintaining the Bar’s right to access the court at Ggaba and demanded that a hearing date be set for the urgent application before the proceedings close.
The Uganda Law Society’s complaint highlights the disturbing nature of this incident, which it views as an example of executive interference with judicial processes. ULS advocates for the rule of law and good governance, and believes that this obstruction undermines both principles. The society is calling for the restoration of fairness and transparency in the Ugandan legal system, and seeks a prompt and impartial hearing on the matter.
As the legal community watches this case unfold, it serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding judicial independence and ensuring that all parties have fair access to justice, regardless of the circumstances. The Uganda Law Society’s efforts in the Okello Onyum case at Ggaba Mobile High Court are a pivotal moment in the fight for justice and the protection of fundamental rights in Uganda.
