By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Kampala, Uganda – Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, head of the National Unity Platform, has strongly condemned the forced exile of Justice Esther Kisakye, a Supreme Court Justice in Uganda.
According to Kyagulanyi, Justice Kisakye’s “crime” was issuing a dissenting judgment in the 2021 presidential election petition, which challenged President Museveni’s victory.
Justice Kisakye was part of the panel of Supreme Court Judges who handled the NUP Party’s Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert Presidential Election Petition No. 01 of 2021, alleging electoral fraud in the 2021 Presidential elections.
However, controversy arose when she accused Chief Justice Owiny Dollo of confiscating her file with a minority ruling.
Kyagulanyi highlighted the extreme measures taken against Justice Kisakye, including the confiscation of her file, denial of her right to read her ruling, and withdrawal of her entitlements.
Despite her efforts to seek justice through the courts, her applications were repeatedly rejected, and she faced threats to her life.
In September 2023, Justice Kisakye, then 63, had requested early retirement, seven years before the mandatory retirement age of 70, citing threats to her life.
However, her request was rejected by President Museveni.
Justice Kisakye’s ordeal has sparked widespread concern, with the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) expressing concerns about the arbitrary and unfair treatment against her.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers has also raised concerns that the disciplinary proceedings against Justice Kisakye may amount to retaliation against her for carrying out her judicial functions.
Kyagulanyi’s statement emphasizes the urgent need to reclaim Uganda, restore judicial independence, and address the wrongs perpetrated against officers like Justice Kisakye.
