A tense standoff erupted at the Judiciary Headquarters when lawyers representing prominent political figures Martha Karua and Kizza Besigye were barred from accessing the premises. The incident has sparked outrage, with accusations of interference in legal proceedings and questions about the independence of the judiciary.
Karua and Besigye, both known for their fierce advocacy for justice and democracy, were seeking to challenge recent rulings they allege were marred by irregularities. Their legal teams were reportedly scheduled to file crucial documents when they were stopped at the entrance by security personnel citing orders from above.
The situation quickly escalated as supporters of the two leaders gathered outside, chanting slogans and demanding accountability. Several civil society groups condemned the action, calling it a violation of the rule of law and an affront to the rights of legal practitioners to access judicial services.
The judiciary has since issued a statement denying any deliberate obstruction, attributing the incident to a miscommunication and promising an internal investigation. However, critics remain skeptical, pointing to similar incidents in the past where legal processes involving opposition figures faced unexplained hurdles.
Political analysts suggest the move could have far-reaching implications for the judiciary’s credibility and the broader democratic space in the country. Meanwhile, Karua and Besigye have vowed to pursue the matter, insisting that their quest for justice will not be deterred.
The incident underscores the growing tension between state institutions and opposition leaders, with observers calling for urgent reforms to safeguard judicial independence and uphold democratic principles.
