UgandaToday: Justice Esther Kisaakye Writes to Museveni, Decries Exile, Repression and Rule of Law Breakdown
By UgandaToday Reporter
Kampala | January 26, 2026
Former Supreme Court Justice Dr. Esther Kitimbo Kisaakye has issued a strongly worded public message to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accusing his administration of presiding over repression, political persecution, and the erosion of constitutional governance in Uganda.
In the message, published on her official X (formerly Twitter) handle on January 25, 2026, Justice Kisaakye says she is among several Ugandans currently living in involuntary exile, having fled the country out of fear for their lives.
“Many Ugandans Forced Into Exile”
Justice Kisaakye states that Uganda has witnessed a growing wave of citizens fleeing into exile or seeking work abroad under unsafe conditions, driven by fear and political persecution.
She singles out Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde as one of the notable figures forced into exile, adding that she herself — despite having served at the highest level of the Judiciary — is now living outside her country against her will.
“I, a former Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda, and many other Ugandans are currently living involuntarily in exile, having been forced to flee for fear of our lives,” she wrote.
Questions Over Election Legitimacy and Repression
In her address to the President, Justice Kisaakye raises concerns over the credibility of his most recent electoral victory, citing the nationwide internet shutdown during the election period.
She argues that continued repression following the elections raises serious questions about legitimacy.
“If you won legitimately, repression is unnecessary. If repression exists, legitimacy is in question,” she stated.
She further notes that elections in democratic societies are inherently competitive and that dissenting political views should not be criminalized.
“Did You Expect All Ugandans to Vote for You?”
Justice Kisaakye challenges what she describes as intolerance toward opposition supporters, questioning whether Uganda is expected to be different from other democracies where political pluralism is normal.
She reminds the President that his manifesto did not include persecuting citizens who chose to support alternative political actors.
Appeal to Museveni’s Revolutionary Legacy
Drawing on President Museveni’s own history, Justice Kisaakye recalls his long struggle for freedom and the constitutional order that followed the 1986 takeover of power.
She references the 1995 Constitution, which came into force under Museveni’s leadership, noting that the country is now drifting away from the ideals enshrined in that founding document.
“Uganda is our only country. We did not choose to be born in Uganda, but we must live in our motherland,” she wrote.
A Direct Call to Action
Justice Kisaakye emphasizes that with President Museveni’s control over the army, police, Electoral Commission and state institutions comes immense responsibility.
She urges him to “put our house (Uganda) in order” by taking decisive action in ten key areas.
Ten Demands to Restore Constitutional Order
Among her key demands, Justice Kisaakye calls on the President to:
Restore the rule of law and ensure citizens live without fear
End abuses by security forces
Guarantee constitutional freedoms for all political actors
Respect judicial independence
Stop labeling political opponents as terrorists or confused
End killings, abductions and violence
Halt the siege on opposition leaders’ homes
Ensure suspects are arrested and tried in courts, not executed
She stresses that political disagreement should never justify violence or exile.
“Uganda Deserves Dignity, Justice and Peace”
Justice Kisaakye concludes her message with a patriotic appeal, invoking the national motto.
“Uganda deserves dignity. Uganda deserves justice. Uganda deserves peace.
FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.”
The letter has since sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many Ugandans praising her courage while others await an official response from State House.
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