Godwin Toko
Fresh claims from Luzira Prison have intensified scrutiny over Uganda’s justice system, after a visiting lawyer detailed conversations with detained advocate Male Mabirizi and other high-profile inmates.
Lawyer Godwin Toko, who visited Mabirizi on Friday, said the outspoken lawyer remains in custody months after his detention and is being held in the Murchison Bay section of Luzira.
The same section also houses former Parliament Director of Communications Chris Obore and his associates, as well as Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who is reportedly under close watch due to deteriorating health.
In his account, Toko said Mabirizi confirmed interacting with Obore and his team following their return to prison after a court deferred their bail application.
The discussions, according to Toko, quickly turned to the state of the judiciary.
“Mabirizi told them the judiciary is no longer independent and takes instructions from powerful individuals who influence decisions, including how long suspects remain in detention,” Toko stated.
He added that Mabirizi used the moment to draw parallels with past legal battles involving Obore, claiming that individuals once seen as influential within the system are now facing similar frustrations.
According to Toko, Mabirizi remarked that those who previously benefited from alleged influence over judicial processes are now “on the same side” as those who have long questioned the system’s fairness.
The statement also raised concern about Lukwago’s health, with Toko urging authorities to ensure the detained opposition figure receives proper medical care while in custody.
The claims come at a time when Uganda’s judiciary has faced increasing public scrutiny over delays in bail rulings and the handling of politically sensitive cases.
While the allegations remain unverified, they add to a growing narrative from detainees and legal practitioners questioning the independence of judicial processes.