Militarisation of Justice in Uganda: The Case of Eron Kizza
This was a time of vibrant intellectual engagement, unlike today, where silence reigns and President Museveni’s directives dominate the sociopolitical narrative. Over time, debate was squeezed out of national, sociopolitical, and academic spheres.
Uganda Today Edition: Militarisation of Justice in Uganda: The Case of Eron Kizza
By Prof. Oweyegha Afunaduula
I have lived in Uganda continuously for over seven decades. I actively participated in the intellectual debates of the early 1990s, when soldiers and civilians would engage in peaceful, spirited exchanges on national issues—political and non-military alike. Civilians did not live in fear of being kidnapped or roughed up, ultimately ending up incarcerated in Luzira or other centers infamous for abusing the freedoms of Ugandans. Back then, we lauded President Tibuhaburwa Museveni’s government as an open-minded and listening institution. Many young people benefited from these debates, engaging deeply with ideas that sometimes even shaped government policy for the better.
Numerous debating platforms, commonly known as Bimeza, emerged, creating spaces where government and military officials did not shy away from discussions. This was a time of vibrant intellectual engagement, unlike today, where silence reigns and President Museveni’s directives dominate the sociopolitical narrative. Over time, debate was squeezed out of national, sociopolitical, and academic spheres. Even universities, once bastions of intellectual freedom, curtailed debates, replacing them with a conspiracy of silence that stifled critical thinking.
The Rise of Militarisation
Simultaneously, Uganda became militarized. Numerous paramilitary groups were established under the guise of ensuring peace and security. However, it soon became evident that their primary aim was to control and intimidate the populace, suppress dissent, and ensure that only government and military officials could speak without fear of contradicting President Museveni. This shift has impoverished the country intellectually, leaving Uganda far less dynamic and thoughtful than in the 1960s.
Within universities, academicism and scholasticism have taken precedence over intellectual development. Academic jargon flourishes, yet institutions remain ineffective in addressing the country’s democratic, freedom, and justice needs. When citizens are kidnapped from foreign countries and arraigned in kangaroo military courts, the silence from academic and student associations is deafening. These institutions, once vocal defenders of justice, now seem complicit in their passivity.
The Case of Eron Kizza
The recent arrest of respected lawyer Eron Kizza exemplifies the militarization of justice in Uganda. Kiiza, a key lawyer for incarcerated opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, was arrested and rough-handled for alleged contempt of court. This abuse of justice highlights a broader trend where even those defending human rights and constitutional freedoms are targeted. The 1995 Constitution, crafted by the National Resistance Movement (NRM), is being blatantly violated, as seen in this case and many others.
Eron Kiiza’s arrest, along with the continued detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye, underscores how state institutions have become tools for suppressing justice and human rights. The whole world now witnesses Uganda’s regression, where the judiciary and other democratic institutions are subordinated to militarized control.
A Plea for Change
As a senior citizen of Uganda, I am deeply concerned about the legacy we are leaving behind. Despite claims of building democracy, justice, and freedom, our leaders’ actions suggest otherwise. State-inspired abuse of power and violence are on the rise, fostering a culture of fear and insecurity. Without decisive action, Uganda risks becoming mired in underdevelopment, dependency, and societal decay.
I appeal to President Tibuhaburwa Museveni to lead the country away from this trajectory of militarized governance. Specifically, I urge the President to intervene in Eron Kiiza’s case, as he has done in other instances involving political figures like Michael Mukula and NUP supporters. Such interventions would signal a commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Looking Ahead
All Ugandans—leaders and the led—must resolve to preserve the nation’s dignity as a civilized and progressive country. Genuine democracy, freedom, and justice are non-negotiable prerequisites for development. If we fail to uphold these values, we risk condemning future generations to perpetual poverty, dependency, and violence.
We must end the militarization of life, governance, and justice. Without this shift, Uganda will remain trapped in a cycle of repression and stagnation, far removed from the prosperous and equitable society we aspire to build.
For God and My Country.
Reach Out to Us Today!
📍 Website: https://www.ugandatoday.co.ug/about-cmk
📍 Website: https://www.ugandatoday.co.ug
📱 WhatsApp: +256 702 239 337
🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @uganda43443 | @ugtodaynews (Uganda
📧 Email: ugandatodayedition@gmail.com
Let’s help you grow your brand and keep your audience informed. Partner with Uganda Today—where your story matters in shaping the social and economic dynamics of the country!
