The Uganda Law Council has rejected a foreign lawyer’s application for temporary admission to practice law in Uganda. This decision has sparked widespread discussion, as it touches on issues of professional conduct, legal compliance, and political implications.

The lawyer, from a common law jurisdiction, had sought to represent Dr. Kizza Besigye in a high-profile case before Uganda’s General Court Martial. Dr. Besigye, a well-known opposition leader, is facing serious charges, and the case has stirred political tensions in both Uganda and Kenya.

The Law Council highlighted that Uganda is not a signatory to the East African Community (EAC) Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), which facilitates cross-border legal practice. Without this agreement, the decision to grant temporary practice rights remains at the discretion of the Council. Historically, such permissions have only been granted for civil cases, not criminal matters like Dr. Besigye’s.

The Council expressed concerns about the political nature of the lawyer’s involvement. It noted that the foreign lawyer’s actions upon arriving in Uganda raised further questions about their intentions. On December 2, the lawyer appeared at the General Court Martial alongside Ugandan attorney Erias Lukwago, presenting themselves as lead counsel for Dr. Besigye despite not having the required certification.

The next day, the foreign lawyer and Mr. Lukwago, accompanied by journalists, attempted an unplanned meeting with the Chief Justice to expedite a ruling related to the case. The encounter, marked by a confrontation with security personnel, was criticized as unprofessional and reflective of a lack of understanding of Uganda’s legal procedures.

The Law Council concluded that these actions breached professional conduct and cast doubt on the foreign lawyer’s motives for seeking admission. The rejection emphasizes the Council’s commitment to upholding the integrity of Uganda’s legal system. It also sends a clear message that political influences should not interfere with professional legal processes.

By maintaining strict adherence to local legal standards, the Law Council seeks to protect the professionalism and credibility of Uganda’s judiciary.

“I will be the President of Uganda after my father. Those fighting the truth will be very disappointed. I Will organize and make our country great as Almighty God always intended it to be,” tweeted First Son via his social media account on X formerly known as Twitter.

It should be noted that Muhoozi Kainerugaba once said that he would run for presidency alongside his father President Museveni 78, who has ruled Uganda with an iron fist since 1986, could again be a candidate in the presidential election scheduled for 2026.

Over the years, Muhoozi has been making activities from the Muhoozi Project, a movement advocating for Gen. Muhoozi as Museveni’s successor, suggesting that his role in the nation’s leadership is being seriously considered.

Currently a senior officer in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen. Muhoozi has gained a significant public profile, often taking to social media to share his thoughts on national and global affairs. His outspoken online presence has occasionally stirred diplomatic responses, underscoring his growing political relevance in Uganda.

In March this year 2024, on the heels of a mini cabinet reshuffle. That cabinet reshuffle sees the outgoing CDF Gen Wilson Mbadi appointed state minister for Trade to make way for Muhoozi. Mbadi’s appointment to cabinet follows a familiar pattern where Museveni “promotes” the CDF to a cabinet position. This was the fate of Mbadi’s predecessors David Muhoozi, Katumba Wamala and Aronda Nyakairima.

The Buganda Road Magistrates Court on Thursday ordered Luzira Prison authorities to produce embattled veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye for further hearing on charges of inciting violence.

Dr. Besigye is currently detained at Luzira Prison following his arraignment before the Army Court on national security charges.

According to a production warrant signed by Senior Principal Magistrate Grade One Winnie Nankya, Dr. Besigye must be produced in court on January 9, 2025, to continue his trial related to the June 2022 protests in Kampala against high commodity prices.

The production warrant was requested by the prosecution’s Allan Mucunguzi, who countered defense lawyer Abubaker Ssekanjako’s claim that his client was in prison while, in this particular case, the court was aware that Dr. Besigye was out on bail.

Dr. Besigye’s co-accused, Samuel Lubega Mukaaku, was present in court on Thursday, and his bail was also extended to January 9, 2025.

The prosecution alleges that on June 14, 2022, in the Kikuubo-Shawuriyako area of Kampala’s central business district, Dr. Besigye and Mukaaku used a loudspeaker to call on people in Luganda, saying, “Banna Uganda muzuukuke twegatte tutaase ensi yaffe.” Police interpreted this as inciting the public to overthrow the government.

The Association of Money Lenders has strongly rejected the recent government cap on interest rates, saying the policy was passed without their participation.

They also called the rate cap selective, given that some commercial banks are still lending above the average. Jonan Akwandwanaho, the chairperson of the association, stated that the government should have consulted the group to understand their plight before making the decision.

According to officials, the group is made up of 1,800 lenders, of which 60,000 are operating informally.

This follows a government proposal suggesting that all money lenders should not charge more than 2.8% interest per month. The association argues that this cap is unfair, especially considering that other financial institutions can lend at higher rates.

Addressing jouralists on Wednesday, Edgar Ayebazibwe, a lawyer with Mwesigwa Rukutana Company Advocates, stated that money lenders contribute significantly to the financial sector and that it is unfair for the government to restrict their interest rates.

‘’We have seen micro-finance institutions lending much more than that and these money lenders get money from other financial institutions. Money lenders get money from banks and so you don’t expect the bank to have their interest rates uncaped and in the same sector you have money lenders caped,’’ Mr Ayebazibwe said.

He added that they have written to the Attorney General and the Ministry of Finance to express their concerns about the unfairness of this move. Additionally, they intend to file a lawsuit in the High Court and Constitutional Court to seek an injunction against the implementation of the interest rate cap.