Latest Political News Uganda/Lady Justice Esther Kisakye, a respected member of Uganda’s judiciary, has been forced into exile following years of persecution by the government.

Her troubles began in 2021 when she dissented from a Supreme Court decision regarding the presidential election petition filed by Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, ‘Bobi Wine’.

The Controversial 2021 Election Petition

Justice Kisakye stood out as the only judge to dissent when the Supreme Court ruled to uphold President Museveni’s re-election for a sixth term.

She criticized the court for denying Bobi Wine’s petition, which alleged massive electoral irregularities and voter intimidation.

Her bold stand came at a high cost, as it triggered a chain of retaliatory actions against her.

Ordeal During the Delivery of Her Judgment

The public vividly recalls the shocking events that unfolded when Justice Kisakye attempted to deliver her dissenting judgment.

Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo confiscated her file and blocked her from reading her ruling in court.

She was forced to deliver her judgment outside the courtroom, under a hot tent, without lights or air-conditioning.

A Campaign of Retaliation

Following the incident, Justice Kisakye faced relentless persecution. Her entitlements were revoked, and she was ostracized within the judiciary.

Attempts to seek redress through court applications were ignored or delayed indefinitely.

Even when she applied for early retirement to escape the hostile environment, her request was rejected by President Museveni, further denying her access to retirement benefits.

Threats to Her Life

Reports indicate that Justice Kisakye faced direct threats to her life, further compounding her plight.

In a system where judicial independence is increasingly undermined, her boldness to dissent made her a target.

Need for Justice and Reform

The persecution of Justice Kisakye highlights the lengths to which the current regime will go to silence dissenting voices.

Her ordeal is a glaring reminder of the urgent need to restore judicial independence in Uganda.

It also underscores the courage and integrity required to stand for justice in the face of intimidation.

Justice Esther Kisakye’s forced exile is a tragic loss for Uganda’s judiciary and a stark reflection of the country’s diminishing democratic values.

Her story must serve as a call to action for reclaiming judicial independence and upholding the rule of law.

Only through such efforts can Uganda ensure justice for all and protect the integrity of its judicial officers.