Kampala City, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has announced a nationwide industrial action scheduled for Friday, June 26, coinciding with World Anti-Torture Day, in protest against what it describes as the growing normalization of torture, arbitrary detention, and violations of fair trial rights in Uganda.
Under the theme, “When Torture Enters the Courtroom, Justice Leaves the Republic,” advocates across the country will abstain from ordinary court appearances and legal work while participating in public awareness campaigns against torture and other human rights violations.
Addressing members of the legal profession, justice sector stakeholders, civil society organisations, and the public on Thursday, ULS leaders stressed that the action is neither political nor a labour dispute but a constitutional intervention intended to defend the rule of law.
“This is not a partisan action, and it is not a labour dispute. It is a constitutional intervention. Our message is simple: no justice can be built on torture, no court should sanitise abuse, and no advocate should be punished for defending a client,” said Acting ULS Secretary General Ssali Babu.
The announcement comes just a day after the Society unveiled its newly established Section 3(c) Committee and International Solidarity Programme, designed to protect advocates facing arrest, detention, intimidation, and interference in the course of their professional duties.
According to the Law Society, the nationwide action seeks to draw attention to what it describes as torture-tainted justice, arbitrary detention, interference with the right to legal representation and increasing threats against advocates.
ULS leaders argued that the legal profession has a constitutional obligation to speak out whenever fundamental rights are threatened.
“The Bar does not strike against justice. The Bar acts so that justice is not built on torture,” Babu said. He added that lawyers can no longer remain silent while constitutional safeguards and judicial integrity face sustained pressure.
The Society noted that the strike is intended to reaffirm the legal profession’s commitment to human dignity, constitutionalism, and the administration of justice.
Emergency Services to Continue
Despite the industrial action, the Law Society clarified that emergency legal services will remain available for urgent matters involving threats to life, liberty and property.
These include unlawful arrests, allegations of torture, illegal detention, urgent child protection matters, domestic violence cases, imminent statutory deadlines and applications affecting personal liberty.
“This action is not directed against our clients. It is a defence of the justice system that protects their liberty, property, families, businesses and rights. Emergency legal services will remain available where life, liberty or fundamental rights are at immediate risk,” Babu explained.
Lawyers have been instructed to notify clients in advance about the industrial action and explain its objectives.
Legal chambers and law firms were also advised to suspend ordinary operations beginning Thursday afternoon, with only emergency human rights-related matters permitted to proceed.
June 26 Declared Day of Mourning
The Society has designated Friday, June 26, as a national “Day of Mourning” for victims of torture and abuse, and all lawyers, law students, and supporters have been encouraged to wear black clothing, black ribbons, black armbands, or approved campaign shirts as a symbol of solidarity.
Participants will also engage in community sensitisation activities, media engagements, and public discussions aimed at raising awareness about the consequences of torture, arbitrary detention, and denial of legal representation.
ULS leaders urged advocates to challenge misinformation surrounding the strike and actively condemn any judicial or administrative processes perceived to be tainted by torture.
“Silence enables torture and the breakdown of the rule of law. There is no honour in neutrality when fundamental rights are under attack,” Babu said.
Call for National and International Support
The Law Society has invited civil society organisations, religious leaders, medical professionals, students, traders, and ordinary citizens to support the campaign.
Supporters have been encouraged to wear black, issue solidarity statements, report incidents of torture, and participate in public education activities promoting constitutional rights.
Medical practitioners have specifically been asked to document torture-related injuries and assist in raising awareness about the physical and psychological consequences of torture.
The Society has also appealed to journalists and media houses to maintain focus on issues of torture, arbitrary detention, and access to legal representation rather than reducing the action to partisan political debates.
“Lawyers and journalists defend public truth from different desks. We urge the media to keep attention on torture, arbitrary detention and the right to counsel rather than political distractions,” Babu noted.
Campaign to Continue Beyond One Day
ULS leaders say the June 26 action forms part of a broader campaign aimed at strengthening constitutional governance, judicial independence and human rights protections in Uganda.
Following the strike, the Society plans to publish a national participation report, document verified incidents arising during the action, engage Parliament and regional bodies, pursue strategic litigation and expand public education efforts on torture and due process rights.
Babu said the campaign will continue beyond the one-day industrial action because the issues at stake go to the heart of Uganda’s constitutional order.
“On World Anti-Torture Day, Uganda’s lawyers are standing with victims of torture, with the Constitution, and with every citizen who may one day need the protection of the law. Justice must never be built on fear, coercion, or abuse,” he said.
The planned action is expected to be one of the most significant collective demonstrations by Uganda’s legal profession in recent years, coming amid growing debate about the state of human rights, judicial independence, and the rule of law in the country.
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