Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde has sharply criticised the state over the continued detention and treatment of opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, accusing key institutions of breaching constitutional safeguards and enabling abuse.
In a detailed statement, Ssemakadde linked Uganda’s governance challenges to what he described as the personalization of state power under President Yoweri Museveni.
He argued that such practices undermine democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution.
“By treating state offices as family property, Museveni has reduced citizens to subjects a constitutional treason against Article 1 of Uganda’s Constitution,” Ssemakadde stated.
He further raised concern over Besigye’s reported medical condition, describing the denial of access to his personal doctors as unlawful and dangerous.
According to the ULS president, the handling of Besigye’s health goes beyond negligence.
“Denying Dr Besigye his personal doctors and leaving him to untrained warders is state-sanctioned torture, not negligence,” he said.
Ssemakadde also directed criticism at the judiciary, accusing it of failing to uphold its independence and protect fundamental rights.
He claimed that decisions limiting Besigye’s access to legal representation raise serious concerns about the rule of law.
“The judiciary has failed. By blocking Besigye’s right to counsel, judges have become accessories to executive lawlessness,” he added.
In a pointed reflection, Ssemakadde described Besigye’s current treatment as a betrayal, referencing his historical role in Uganda’s political landscape and past association with the ruling establishment.
“Besigye once saved Museveni’s life; now the state repays him with cruelty,” he remarked.
He concluded by urging citizens and the legal community to take action, warning against silence in the face of what he termed systemic injustice.
“Silence is no longer an option. Organize, litigate, and resist the law is a shield for the people, not a sword for the powerful,” Ssemakadde said.