Petition to the President by the Citizens Coalition for the Protection of the Rule of Law.
The Citizens Coalition for the Protection of the Rule of Law submitted a petition to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expressing deep concern over what it describes as the continued deterioration of constitutional governance and the rule of law in Uganda. The Coalition states that widespread reports of enforced disappearances, abductions, illegal detentions, torture, restrictions on civil society, and attacks on fundamental freedoms are inconsistent with the Constitution, the Presidential Oath, and Uganda’s regional and international human rights obligations. The petition argues that these practices threaten democracy, accountability, and public confidence in state institutions.
The Coalition recalls Uganda’s history of authoritarian rule and notes that the country’s Constitution was established to prevent a return to arbitrary arrests, torture, and governance through fear. It expresses concern that recent incidents, including the alleged abduction and mistreatment of opposition figures and other citizens, signal a departure from these constitutional ideals. The petition further argues that executive responsibility includes ensuring that all security agencies operate within the law and respect the rights of every Ugandan.
The petition also cites constitutional provisions protecting personal liberty, fair trial, freedom from torture, and judicial oversight, emphasizing that these rights are non-derogable and must be respected at all times. It further references Uganda’s obligations under regional and international human rights instruments, arguing that the country must uphold these commitments while safeguarding civic space, freedom of association, and the independence of public institutions.
To address these concerns, the Coalition calls upon the President to:
End enforced disappearances, abductions, and unlawful detentions.
Ensure the release or lawful production before civilian courts of all persons held in illegal custody.
Investigate and hold accountable those responsible for torture, disappearances, and state-sponsored violence.
Prevent the misuse of state institutions against citizens.
Restore due process in the regulation of civil society organizations.
Reaffirm the supremacy of the Constitution over all security and intelligence agencies.
Address the nation on the state of the rule of law and outline concrete measures to strengthen constitutional governance.
The petition concludes by acknowledging the President’s historical contribution to Uganda’s development and regional integration while urging decisive leadership to protect constitutionalism, strengthen democratic institutions, and secure a future founded on justice, accountability, peace, and respect for the rule of law. It also expresses the Coalition’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to promote these objectives.
READ MORE: Petition to the President from the Citizens
