Kampala, (UG):- Uganda’s legal fraternity has been sent in a frenzy after Rtd Major Ronald Iduli, a lawyer representing opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, was abducted from his home in Bulenga, Wakiso District, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
At the time of his abduction, he was preparing to represent Dr. Besigye and Hajji Obed Kamulegeya at the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala.
The two are facing charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and firearms following their arrest in Nairobi, Kenya about three weeks ago.
According to a press statement by Isaac Ssemakadde, the President of Uganda Law Society (ULS) this morning, Iduli’s home was invaded at 4:00 am by unknown assailants believed to be operatives of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence.
The ULS President condemned Iduli’s abduction, describing it as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence members of the legal profession.
“This brazen attack is not only an assault on one of our members but also a threat to the principles of justice and the rule of law,” Ssemakadde said in a one page press release.
The Legal Rebel called on the Inspector General of Police and UPDF authorities to investigate the incident urgently and ensure Iduli’s safe release. Ssemakadde also demanded a comprehensive report detailing the circumstances surrounding the lawyer’s abduction.
In the aftermath of Iduli’s abduction, Ssemakadde has rallied the Law Society Members to stand in solidarity with one another in resisting intimidation from security circles but stand firm to protect the sanctity of their profession.
“We will not stand idly by while our colleagues are harassed and silenced,” Ssemakadde affirmed, urging “Members of the public to report any suspicious activities via ULS’s toll-free line, 0800355355, as their safety remains a top priority.”
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of opposition figures and their legal teams in Uganda, as well as the broader issue of freedom of expression and protection for those involved in legal representation of politically sensitive cases.
At the time of filing the story, no statement had been publicly made from the security authorities over the alleged abduction of Besigye’s lawyer.
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