“Uganda Deserves Justice and Peace” — Justice Kisaakye Sends Strong Message to President Museveni

A former Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda, Justice Dr. Esther Kitimbo Kisaakye, has written a powerful and emotional public message addressed to President Yoweri Museveni, calling for the restoration of the rule of law, an end to political repression, and protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.

In her message, dated January 25, 2026, Justice Kisaakye speaks as a Ugandan citizen and former top judicial officer now living in exile. She says she, like many other Ugandans, was forced to flee the country out of fear for her life. According to her, several citizens have either gone into hiding, fled into exile, or left Uganda to work abroad under difficult and uncertain conditions simply to survive.

She mentions that among those in exile is Isaac Ssemakadde, the President of the Uganda Law Society, describing a situation where legal professionals and other citizens feel unsafe in their own country.

In the strongly worded message, Justice Kisaakye questions the political environment following the last general election, which took place amid a nationwide internet shutdown. She argues that the continued repression of critics and opponents raises concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral outcome. She states that in a truly legitimate democratic system, there should be no need to silence dissent or punish those who supported other candidates.

She reminds President Museveni that elections are competitive in every democracy and that it is normal for citizens to support different candidates. She asks whether it is realistic to expect all Ugandans to support one leader, noting that disagreement in politics should not be treated as a crime.

Justice Kisaakye also reflects on President Museveni’s long political journey, from leading an armed struggle in 1986 to overseeing the creation of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda. She says the country is still following the path shaped under his leadership and stresses that all Ugandans, regardless of political views, share the same homeland.

In her appeal, she emphasizes that with power comes responsibility. She points out that the President has authority over the army, police, Electoral Commission, and other state institutions, and therefore carries the duty to ensure they operate within the law.

She calls on the President to take specific actions, including restoring the rule of law, ending abuses by security forces, protecting constitutional freedoms, and ensuring that courts operate independently. She also urges an end to abductions, violence, political intimidation, house arrests of opponents, and the labeling of political rivals as terrorists.

Justice Kisaakye insists that suspects should be handled through lawful arrest and trial in competent courts, not through extrajudicial actions. Her message repeatedly stresses that Uganda belongs to all its citizens and that no one chooses their birthplace, but everyone deserves safety and dignity in their own country.

She closes her message with a patriotic tone, saying Uganda deserves dignity, justice, and peace, and signs off with the national motto: “For God and My Country.”

The letter adds to growing voices from Ugandans in exile and human rights advocates calling for political tolerance, constitutional governance, and respect for fundamental freedoms in the country.