Retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, has urged the Uganda Law Society (ULS) to take a proactive role in defending citizens against human rights abuses, including torture. Speaking at the recent Digital Transformation Festival at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, Egonda-Ntende emphasized the critical duty of the ULS to uphold citizens' rights amid increasing threats to civil liberties. He reminded the lawyers of their obligation to protect and assist the public in all matters related to the law.
Egonda-Ntende highlighted the significant changes brought about by technology over the last 30 years, which have revolutionized how citizens interact with the state and seek justice. He noted that the values of human dignity and life remain sacred, and it is the duty of the ULS to ensure that these values are upheld. The retired judge cited the objectives of the ULS under the Uganda Law Society Act, which include representing, protecting, and assisting members of the legal profession, as well as protecting and assisting the public in matters related to the law.
The retired judge recalled the infamous cases of torture at Nalufenya Police Station and Nakasero dungeons during the Idi Amin regime, where citizens were subjected to inhumane treatment. He expressed concern that despite these dark periods in Uganda's history, there may not have been adequate accountability for the perpetrators. Egonda-Ntende emphasized that the ULS has a statutory obligation to protect the public in all matters related to the law and suggested that they explore opportunities to meet this obligation.
Egonda-Ntende pointed out that torture is a crime under both international criminal law and Ugandan law, and the International Criminal Court has concurrent jurisdiction with municipal authorities in respect of certain crimes. He noted that states bear the primary responsibility of enforcing criminal law, but in cases where states are unable or unwilling, the international community can intervene. The retired judge questioned whether victims of torture in Uganda have received justice, and whether action has been taken to prosecute those responsible.
The retired judge proposed that technology can aid the effort to seek justice for victims of torture and human rights abuses. He suggested that an electronic search of online publications can provide a starting point for investigations, and that the ULS can communicate with the International Criminal Court at a low cost to share findings and request assistance. Egonda-Ntende also noted that technology makes it possible to gather and transmit evidence at a low cost.
Egonda-Ntende emphasized that the ULS has a critical role to play in exacting accountability for citizens and discouraging the use of torture as a weapon of influence. He implored the lawyers to use technology as a tool in defense of citizens and to advance access to justice and ethical governance through technology. The retired judge concluded by declaring the Digital Transformation Festival open and thanking the attendees for listening to his remarks.
The call by Egonda-Ntende to the ULS to take a proactive role in defending citizens against human rights abuses comes at a time when civil liberties are under threat. The use of technology to aid in the investigation and prosecution of crimes, including torture, is an innovative approach that can enhance access to justice. As the ULS continues to explore ways to meet its obligations, it is likely that the issue of torture and human rights abuses will remain a key area of focus.
Key points
- Retired Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende urges Uganda Law Society to use technology to defend citizens against torture and human rights abuses.
- Egonda-Ntende emphasizes the critical duty of the ULS to uphold citizens' rights amid increasing threats to civil liberties.
- The retired judge proposes that technology can aid the effort to seek justice for victims of torture and human rights abuses.
