(Kampala, Uganda / September 22, 2025) – Today, Chapter Four Uganda solemnly marks the anniversary of the abduction and tragic murder of Uganda’s first Chief Justice, Benedicto Kiwanuka. His life and ultimate sacrifice stand as a powerful testament to the enduring values of freedom, the rule of law, and accountability that we must emulate to address the challenges we continue to face today.
On September 21, 1972, Chief Justice Kiwanuka was forcibly abducted from his chambers at the High Court building in Kampala by government security forces. He has never been seen since then.
He was targeted because of his unwavering defence of the Constitution of Uganda and fundamental freedoms against tyranny. At a time when these principles were gravely threatened, he firmly spoke truth to power and described failure to implement court orders as sacrilegious and a mockery of justice.
In one of his final courageous actions of standing up for judicial accountability and the rule of law, Chief Justice Kiwanuka granted Daniel Stewart, a British businessman, a writ of habeas corpus against strenuous objections from the Idi Amin government. He ordered the executive branch to immediately release Mr. Stewart from incommunicado detention at Luzira military barracks. He further asked the military to stop arresting civilians and interfering with the work of the judiciary.
Today, Uganda continues to grapple with several challenges that remind us of what Kiwanuka fought against.
Enforced disappearances and incommunicado detention are common, especially during election periods. This has normalised the filing of habeas corpus applications, which ought to be a rare occurrence in a democratic society where arrests are carried out in compliance with the law. The fundamental right to bail is increasingly restricted amidst weak judicial accountability.
Additionally, incidents of disregard for court orders continue to be documented—perhaps most notably, the continued unlawful detention of hundreds of civilians on remand on orders of military courts despite the Supreme Court’s orders that the trials are unconstitutional.
As Uganda reflects on the legacy of a man with such exceptional courage, Chapter Four Uganda calls upon all relevant government stakeholders—the judiciary, the executive, the legislature, prosecutors, and security agencies—to recommit themselves to the values Kiwanuka embodied. Reform rhetoric rings hollow without action. It is only through adherence to the rule of law, accountability, and respect for human rights that Uganda can truly honor his life’s purpose.
The tragedy of Kiwanuka’s killing continues to remind us of the cost of impunity and the indispensable need for protection of those who uphold the rule of law. We urge the government to ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, safeguard the dignity of judicial officers, and enforce judicial accountability.