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Maj. Iduli was arrested over a 10-month rent default and for allegedly threatening his landlady with violence according to Kampala Metropolitan Police PRO SP Patrick Onyango
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By Our Reporter
Kampala - The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed allegations of the abduction of retired Maj. Ronald Iduli, a lawyer known for representing opposition figures, including Dr. Kizza Besigye. In a statement, the UPDF described the claims, raised by the Uganda Law Society (ULS) and opposition leaders, as baseless and politically motivated. The UPDF criticized the ULS for issuing a letter alleging Maj. Iduli's abduction without thorough investigation. “We respect the legal profession like all noble professions, and we expect them to conduct business with objectivity,” the statement read.
The arrest
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police PRO SP Patrick Onyango, Maj. Iduli was arrested over a 10-month rent default and for allegedly threatening his landlady with violence. During the arrest, police discovered military stores in his possession, raising concerns about his compliance with laws regarding the retention of military uniforms and equipment post-retirement.
The UPDF emphasized that Maj. Iduli, a retired officer and practicing lawyer, should have been well aware of the regulations governing military attire.
UPDF condemnation
The UPDF condemned Maj. Iduli’s alleged actions, urging the public to refrain from politicizing the legal process. “Whatever one’s profession or status, we must all meet our obligations. It is unfortunate to hide misdeeds behind a politicized legal process,” the UPDF stated. The army pledged to cooperate with police to ensure the case is handled transparently and lawfully.
Opposition criticism
Meanwhile, the President of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu, strongly criticized the government over the incident, framing it as an attack on the legal profession and a violation of Dr. Besigye’s right to choose legal representation.
“They have no right to deny Besigye the lawyers of his choice. The law guarantees all citizens the right to representation, and no government has the power to interfere with that fundamental right,” Gen. Muntu said during a press conference in Kampala.
He questioned the government’s motives and raised concerns about the broader implications of arresting a retired officer. “What message does it send when you arrest someone who has served and retired? What does this mean for those still in uniform?”
Gen. Muntu also warned leaders about the impermanence of power, emphasizing the lasting consequences of their actions. “No government is permanent. Your actions today will reflect on you tomorrow,” he said.
Human rights concerns
The alleged abduction of Maj. Iduli has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, which have called for his immediate release and safety.
As tensions between the government and opposition continue to rise, this case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about the rule of law and political freedoms in Uganda.
The police investigation into Maj. Iduli’s case is ongoing, with both the UPDF and police urging the public to allow the legal process to take its course.
