Torture: Retired judge Egonda-Ntende tasks Law Society to step up

What the report says

Retired Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende used a speech at the Digital Transformation Festival at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort to urge the Uganda Law Society (ULS) to take a stronger role in defending citizens’ rights and responding to allegations of torture and other abuses. The Observer reported that he framed the lawyers’ body as having a statutory duty to protect the public in all matters related to law, not only to serve its members.

In his remarks, Egonda-Ntende pointed to Uganda’s history of alleged abuses, including the well-known Nalufenya Police Station allegations and earlier episodes such as the Nakasero dungeons during the Idi Amin era. He said accountability for such cases appeared unclear and argued that torture remains a serious issue because it can be used to instill fear and undermine public trust in justice institutions.

He also linked the discussion to technology, saying digital tools can help lawyers search for information, gather evidence and communicate with international bodies such as the International Criminal Court at relatively low cost. According to the article, he encouraged the ULS to use these tools to support investigations and pursue justice where domestic authorities have not acted. The broader context is Uganda’s growing debate over access to justice, human rights enforcement and how digital systems may strengthen legal accountability.