Justice and human rights are ultimately about the relationship between the individual and the power of the state. The government has a legitimate responsibility to protect citizens, investigate crime and maintain national security. But that authority must operate within the law, with due process, human dignity and independent judicial oversight. Uganda’s history shows why these principles remain essential.
The Buganda crisis
The 2009 Buganda crisis remains an important part of that history. Tensions between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom erupted into violent demonstrations in Kampala and other areas after the Kabaka was prevented from travelling to Kayunga. Human Rights Watch documented excessive use of lethal force and reported that at least 40 people died, while the official government figure was lower. No security personnel were prosecuted for the killings.
The crisis also produced a serious media crackdown. Four Luganda radio stations, CBS, Radio Sapientia, Radio Two, commonly known as Akaboozi ku Bbiri, and Radio Ssuubi, were taken off air. The authorities justified the measures on grounds including incitement and public order, while Human Rights Watch criticised the lack of adequate explanation and opportunity to challenge the closures. The episode demonstrated how quickly freedom of expression can become restricted during political and security crises.
Security force excesses
The violence surrounding the 2021 elections again exposed the human cost of political confrontation. Human Rights Watch reported that security forces killed at least 54 people during protests following the November 2020 arrest of opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, while also documenting arbitrary arrests, beatings and restrictions on opposition campaigning and the media.
The Kasese crisis of 2016 provides another painful example. Security forces attacked the Buhikira Palace of Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere following deadly clashes involving police and royal guards. Amnesty International reported at least 62 deaths and hundreds of arrests, including the King. Mumbere subsequently faced serious charges before the Director of Public Prosecutions withdrew the charges in 2023 after an application for amnesty.
Abuse of power
The question of confessions and presidential pardons also deserves scrutiny. In 2024, 19 NUP supporters were pardoned after convictions for treachery and unlawful possession of ammunition. Some later said they had confessed in the hope of securing their freedom, with Olivia Lutaaya alleging that she had been pressured to admit offences she said she had not committed. The government maintained that the detainees had voluntarily sought presidential pardon. Such conflicting accounts demonstrate why confessions and admissions in politically sensitive cases require strong legal safeguards.
The continuing detention and prosecution of opposition figures has made these concerns even more immediate. Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obed Lutale were abducted in Nairobi in November 2024 and initially brought before a military court. Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled in January 2025 that civilians could not be tried by military courts and ordered such cases transferred to ordinary courts. Their case was subsequently moved to the civilian system, although both remained detained. Later legislation restored circumstances in which civilians could face military tribunals, renewing debate over the boundary between military and civilian justice.
Recent arrests have intensified those concerns. Human Rights Watch reported that Erias Lukwago was seized and held incommunicado, while Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba appeared to acknowledge holding him in a “basement” and shared an image appearing to show him blindfolded. Muwanga Kivumbi was also seized after being released on bail and, according to Human Rights Watch, was held for 19 days in an undisclosed location before facing further charges.
On 5 September 2026, political commentator Charles Rwomushana was seized by armed men in civilian clothing while appearing on Radio Simba. He was taken to an unknown destination, although he was subsequently released. The circumstances of the detention and the reasons for his arrest raised further questions about transparency and due process.
The treatment of lawyers has also raised concern. Eron Kiiza was arrested during the Besigye case and sentenced by a military court to nine months for contempt after protesting restrictions on his access to the courtroom. Amnesty International reported that he was assaulted during his arrest and alleged torture in detention. Lawyer Male Mabirizi has faced prolonged detention and successive prosecutions, while Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde has faced criminal proceedings while outside the country.
Security or human rights?
The government’s position must also be recognised. Authorities maintain that Uganda faces genuine security threats and that arrests and prosecutions concern specific alleged offences rather than political affiliation. Security institutions have a legitimate constitutional duty to protect national security. Those responsibilities are real, but they cannot remove the requirement for lawful arrest, transparent detention, access to legal representation and a fair hearing.
Uganda’s history, from the Buganda crisis and media closures to the 2021 election violence, the Kasese conflict and the continuing detention of opposition figures, demonstrates why national security and human rights should not be treated as opposing principles. Justice should mean lawful arrest rather than unexplained abduction, a recognised place of detention rather than an undisclosed facility, evidence rather than political accusation, and an independent court rather than unchecked security power.
A strong state is not one that is beyond accountability. It is one in which the law is strong enough to hold everyone accountable, including those who exercise state power.
By Mugenyi M.A.K