Uganda’s Justice System Under Fire: Selective Law Enforcement and the Suppression of Dissent

In recent years, Uganda has faced increasing scrutiny for its justice system’s inconsistencies and the selective application of the law. A striking example is the stark contrast in how individuals accused of severe crimes such as murder and terrorism are handled compared to peaceful demonstrators expressing dissent. The situation raises a fundamental question: Is Uganda’s justice system serving its people or merely preserving the power of a few?

Take, for instance, the ongoing trend where alleged terrorists and individuals accused of heinous crimes, even murder, are tried in civilian courts, often with due process. Meanwhile, demonstrators donning red berets and overalls—symbols associated with political opposition—are swiftly arrested and subjected to court-martial. This discrepancy is not only puzzling but also a direct affront to the principles of equality and fairness enshrined in Uganda’s Constitution.

Adding to this injustice is the rampant corruption in government offices. Public funds disappear without a trace, yet the perpetrators, often government officials, remain unpunished. These individuals continue to walk free, untouched by the law, while Ugandans who dare to speak out against such corruption and mismanagement are silenced—often brutally. Protesters and whistleblowers are rounded up, beaten to near death, or imprisoned by the very security organs mandated to protect them.

This raises a painful question: What is wrong with Uganda? Is it a lack of accountability, or is it that the system has been deliberately designed to suppress dissent and protect those in power? For many Ugandans, the answer is clear. The current state of affairs reflects a government more focused on self-preservation than serving its citizens.

The fear among citizens is palpable. Many feel the pain of injustice, but the threat of violence and persecution silences them. Under Mr. Museveni’s decades-long rule, the voices of opposition have been systematically suppressed, creating an atmosphere of despair and resignation. Yet, it is crucial to acknowledge that this silence does not mean agreement or apathy; it is a testament to the fear instilled in those who dare to speak out.

The contradictions in Uganda’s justice system reveal a broader issue of governance. A government that prioritizes its survival over the well-being of its citizens risks alienating the very people it is meant to serve. It erodes trust, deepens divisions, and fosters resentment. The Ugandan people deserve better—a system that upholds the rule of law, protects fundamental rights, and ensures justice for all, regardless of political affiliation.

However, the path to change is not easy. It requires collective action, unity, and a commitment to non-violent advocacy. Ugandans must find ways to speak truth to power, even in the face of intimidation. The pain felt by so many must be channeled into a movement that demands accountability, transparency, and fairness.

The injustices in Uganda’s justice system are not just a reflection of the government but a call to action for all Ugandans. Change begins when voices rise in unity, demanding a system that works for everyone, not just a privileged few.

The time has come for Ugandans to ask themselves: If we don’t speak out now, who will? And if we don’t act now, when will things change?