law 18 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Chief Justice, Principal Judge Sued Over Directive Shielding Government from Execution
A law firm has sued the Chief Justice, Principal Judge, and Attorney General, challenging an administrative directive that allegedly shields government entities from executing court judgments. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/chief-justice-principal-judge-sued-over-directive-shielding-govt-from-execution-5501514
The High Court in Kampala is set to hear a constitutional challenge against an administrative directive issued by the Principal Judge, Flavian Zeija. The directive, which reportedly bars the attachment and execution of government funds and property, has been slammed by Omongole and Co. Advocates as unconstitutional and unlawful.
The petitioners argue that the directive violates Article 2 of the Constitution by creating laws inconsistent with it. They further contend that the directive improperly extends protections designed for the central government under the Government Proceedings Act to local governments and other statutory bodies not covered by the law.
Omongole and Co. Advocates asserts that the Principal Judge relied on irrelevant judicial precedents, citing cases that pertained only to the central government and ignored warnings against giving the government preferential treatment. The law firm points to the Local Governments Act, which they say expressly permits execution against attachable property of local governments after a specified period.
Supporters of the directive have suggested it aims to prevent disruption of public service delivery. However, the petitioners argue it severely restricts decree holders, preventing them from enforcing court awards and enjoying the fruits of their legal victories.
The petitioners are seeking an injunction to halt the directive’s implementation and a declaration that it is unconstitutional and inconsistent with various legal acts. They further aim to affirm that local governments, as corporate entities, are subject to lawful execution.
The case is expected to explore the crucial balance between protecting public funds and ensuring that citizens can enforce judgments against government institutions.