High Court Judge Justice Dr. Douglas Karekona Singiza has strongly defended his judicial independence in the face of personal attacks and online threats.
This comes after he dismissed the habeas corpus application of Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale, who were arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, and transferred to Uganda.
Justice Singiza stated that courts in Uganda execute their judicial functions without fear or favor, based on the law and the evidence. He emphasized that while fair criticism is acceptable, personal attacks and intimidation threaten judicial independence .
Justice Singiza took particular issue with cartoon drawings suggesting he was a Nazi judge and under government influence. He reminded those responsible that courts execute their functions without fear or favor, based on law and evidence.
The controversy surrounding the case has sparked discussions on the pressures facing Ugandan judges in politically sensitive cases. Justice Singiza’s ruling has been criticized by some, who argue that it was influenced by the government. However, the judge has maintained that his decision was based solely on the law.
Justice Singiza explained that the court must consider the context of the complaints. However, he noted that the applicants were formally charged and remanded in the Chief Magistrates Court of Nakawa, rendering the application moot.
Dr. Besigye and Haji Lutale’s fate now lies in the hands of the civilian courts. The Supreme Court had ruled that the trial of civilians in military courts was unconstitutional, prompting Besigye’s legal team to file a habeas corpus application.
However, Justice Singiza agreed with the state’s position that the Supreme Court ruling did not order immediate release, but rather a transfer of cases from military to civilian courts.
Dr. Besigye and Hajji Lutale have been on remand at Luzira prison since November, charged with security-related offenses and later treachery. They were arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, and smuggled back to Uganda.
