Written By | BK Mugizi
Dr Esther Kitimbo Kisaakye has appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to restore the rule of law
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Former Supreme Court Justice Dr Esther Kitimbo Kisaakye has appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to restore the rule of law, end political repression, and guarantee constitutional freedoms for all Ugandans. In an open letter dated January 25, Justice Kisaakye said many Ugandans had been forced into exile or compelled to seek employment abroad due to fear for their lives following the recent election period.
“Many Ugandans have been forced into exile, fearing for their lives,” she wrote, adding that she herself was living in involuntary exile.
She also cited Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde as among those currently in exile.
Justice Kisaakye questioned the legitimacy of the 2021 presidential election, which was conducted amid a nationwide internet shutdown, saying subsequent repression had deepened doubts over the credibility of the process. “If you won legitimately, repression is unnecessary. If repression exists, legitimacy is in question,” she said.
She argued that elections in democratic societies are competitive and that political dissent should not be criminalised. The former Justice reminded President Museveni of his historical role in Uganda’s liberation struggle and his leadership in promulgating the 1995 Constitution, urging him to uphold its principles.
She called on the President, as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief, to rein in security forces, stop alleged abductions, killings, and violence, and allow all citizens and political actors to exercise their constitutional rights without fear.
Justice Kisaakye also urged the President to stop labelling political opponents and their supporters as terrorists and to end sieges on opposition leaders’ homes.
“Uganda deserves dignity. Uganda deserves justice. Uganda deserves peace,” she concluded.
Torch Media Africa
