law 28 September 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Retired Judge Urges Law Society to Combat Torture with Technology
Retired Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende has called on the Uganda Law Society (ULS) to be more proactive in defending citizens' rights, particularly against torture and human rights abuses. He emphasized the society's statutory duty to protect the public and suggested leveraging technology to achieve greater accountability and access to justice. Source: https://observer.ug/news/torture-retired-judge-egonda-ntende-tasks-law-society-to-step-up
At a recent Digital Transformation Festival, retired Court of Appeal/Constitutional Court judge Fredrick Egonda-Ntende addressed the Uganda Law Society (ULS), reminding them of their crucial role in safeguarding citizens’ rights, especially in an era of increasing threats to civil liberties.
Egonda-Ntende urged legal professionals to step up their efforts in defending individuals against abuses such as torture. He highlighted that the ULS has a broad statutory obligation to protect and assist the public in all matters related to the law.
The retired judge recalled the infamous notoriety of Nalufenya Police Station due to widespread allegations of torture, noting that while leadership changes occurred, accountability for the perpetrators remained unclear. He drew parallels to dark periods in Uganda’s history, such as the Nakasero dungeons under the Idi Amin regime.
Egonda-Ntende stressed that torture is an offense under both international and domestic law, and suggested that the ULS explore opportunities to fulfill its duty. He pointed out the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its treaties, which Uganda has ratified, allowing for intervention when national authorities are unable or unwilling to prosecute certain crimes, including torture.
He challenged the Law Society to investigate whether victims of torture in Uganda have received justice and if those responsible have been prosecuted. Egonda-Ntende suggested that technology could be a powerful tool in this endeavor, facilitating research, communication with international bodies like the ICC, and the gathering and transmission of evidence at minimal cost.
Concluding his address, Egonda-Ntende described torture as an agent used to instill fear and inflict damage on individuals, families, communities, and the nation. He implored the ULS to utilize technology to hold perpetrators accountable and discourage the use of torture, thereby advancing access to justice and ethical governance in Uganda.
Source: https://observer.ug/news/torture-retired-judge-egonda-ntende-tasks-law-society-to-step-up