Francis Gimara challenged Uganda's judicial officers during the eighth Memorial Lecture honoring Chief Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka. The former Uganda Law Society president criticized judges for refusing bail to civilians facing military court trials despite Supreme Court rulings declaring such proceedings unconstitutional. Gimara highlighted opposition leader Kizza Besigye's case as evidence of judicial reluctance in politically charged matters.
Besigye remains detained after his November 2024 abduction from Kenya on weapons charges. Multiple bail applications have failed despite spending over eight months on remand. Gimara questioned magistrates who remand visibly tortured suspects, violating the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act of 2012. Edward Sebuufu's case exemplified this concern when he appeared in Masaka court showing electrocution injuries yet received remand orders. Gimara warned that executive influence threatens judicial independence and urged courts to emulate Chief Justice Kiwanuka's courage in defending constitutional principles against government pressure.
Besigye remains detained after his November 2024 abduction from Kenya on weapons charges. Multiple bail applications have failed despite spending over eight months on remand. Gimara questioned magistrates who remand visibly tortured suspects, violating the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act of 2012. Edward Sebuufu's case exemplified this concern when he appeared in Masaka court showing electrocution injuries yet received remand orders. Gimara warned that executive influence threatens judicial independence and urged courts to emulate Chief Justice Kiwanuka's courage in defending constitutional principles against government pressure.
