The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly criticised the Judiciary’s plan to conduct a mobile High Court session in Ggaba for the trial of Christopher Okello Onyum, warning that the move risks undermining the right to a fair hearing.
In a statement issued on April 12, 2026, in Kampala, the lawyers’ body rejected the decision to hold proceedings at Ggaba Community Church grounds, where the alleged crimes occurred, describing it as a dangerous precedent that could compromise judicial independence.
The planned session, scheduled to begin on April 13, follows the introduction of the Constitution (Operation of Mobile Courts) (Practice) Directions, 2026, aimed at improving access to justice and speeding up case handling.
However, ULS argues that the initiative, in this instance, has been overtaken by political influence and public pressure.
The Society pointed to remarks by senior government officials, including Jane Frances Abodo and Balaam Barugahara, which it says risk prejudicing the case by appearing to pre-judge the suspect before trial.
According to ULS, the public nature of the proposed proceedings, featuring live broadcasts, large crowds, and a venue closely tied to the victims, could create an emotionally charged environment that undermines the presumption of innocence guaranteed under the Constitution and international human rights instruments.
The Society further expressed concern that the Judiciary confirmed the trial arrangements after public pronouncements by government officials, raising questions about the separation of powers and the independence of the courts.
ULS also referenced a landmark 2002 constitutional case in which it successfully challenged the fairness of certain judicial processes, arguing that the same principles of impartiality and due process must apply in this situation.
The lawyers’ body warned that the handling of this case could set a lasting precedent for future high-profile trials across the country, potentially weakening constitutional safeguards if not properly managed.
It has now called on the Chief Justice to halt the mobile court arrangement for this trial and instead conduct proceedings at a conventional High Court venue to ensure fairness, neutrality, and public confidence in the justice system.
“The victims’ families deserve justice,” the statement noted, “but it must be delivered in a manner that upholds the rule of law and protects the rights of all parties involved.”
The ULS pledged to closely monitor the proceedings and take legal action if necessary to safeguard constitutional principles.
