[allAfrica.com] [Africa_2005] Lawyers Strike Over Military New Vision (Kampala) NEWS November 29, 2005 Posted to the web November 29, 2005 By Hillary Kiirya and Hillary Nsambu Kampala LAWYERS across the country yesterday went on a one-day sit-down strike protesting against military interference into the judiciary. Most chambers in the country remained closed all day long. They said the unprecedented siege of the High Court by armed soldiers called "Black Mambas Urban Hit Squad" on November 16, constituted the most naked and grotesque violation of the twin doctrines of the rule of law and independence of the judiciary. They also demanded for the immediate resignation of the Attorney General, Dr. Khiddu Makubuya, saying he had abdicated his responsibility to advise the government on various functions. The lawyers, clad in their legal robes, presented a petition concerning the acts of the armed forces at court to the Chief Justice, Benjamin Odoki. He was flanked by Deputy Chief justice, Laetitia Mukasa-Kikonyogo, Justice Edmund Ssempa Lugayizi and the Chief Registrar, Lawrence Gidudu. The petition was copied to President Yoweri Museveni and Speaker of Parliament, Edward Ssekandi. Odoki said, "I am satisfied that the Judiciary has carried out its obligation despite the difficulties. I assure you that we shall discuss these issues with the executive and the legislature. This is an excellent memorandum I have received today." Odoki and Principal Judge James Ogoola had earlier condemned the acts of the army. The lawyers demanded that the Executive unequivocally condemns the acts of intimidation, threats and attacks and apologise to the Judiciary, the Bar and citizens of Uganda. They also said the Government should appoint an independent commission of inquiry of national and international jurists to investigate the incidences, including assaults on the High Court premises that took place on November 16. The lawyers also demanded that the Government makes an unequivocal undertaking to implement the findings of the commission of inquiry and to bring the perpetrators to justice. They further demanded that the Executive takes immediate and deliberate actions to desist from further interference with the functioning of the Judiciary and scrupulously discharge its constitutional obligation to uphold the rule of law. "The Uganda Law Society demands that the Uganda Police effectively and responsibly discharges its functions of maintaining law and order, ensure the safety of judicial officers, officers of the court, members of the public and protects and preserves the sanctity of the courts at all times," the lawyers demanded. Law Society (ULS) chief Moses Adriko said the ULS had constituted a Judiciary Rule of Law Watch Committee to monitor and document attacks or actions by any institution of Government or individuals, which undermine or are likely to undermine the independence and proper functioning of the Judiciary and advise Government on who the perpetrators are. They later walked around the court premises in what they termed as cleansing the shrine of justice from the black mambas before dispersing. In Jinja, the team was led by ULS Jinja branch president Onesmus Tuyiringire, who marched around the court premises before seeking audience with the resident judge, Vincent Tiwanje. However, other judicial officers went on with their duties. In Soroti, it was the same and people with cases to be heard complained but to no avail. In regard to the demands for Makubuya's resignation, Adriko said under article 119 of the constitution, the custodian of the rule of law and independence of the Judiciary had breached his fiduciary duty to advise the government and people on various government actions and pronouncements. "We at the Uganda Law Society are concerned that as the principal legal adviser has failed to ensure adherence by government to various international covenants to which Uganda is a signatory. "The Head of the Bar has failed to ensure that advocates appearing before the Court Martial without fear or harassment exercise their rights," Adriko said. Additional reporting by Abubaker Mukose, Richard Otim and Samuel Okiring.   =============================================================================   Copyright © 2005 New Vision. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). =============================================================================