The African Court of Justice (EACJ) has summoned Uganda’s Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, to respond to a case challenging a Constitutional Court ruling on safeguards for criminal suspects who allege that they have been subjected to torture.
The case was filed by the Uganda Law Society(ULS), which is challenging a ruling delivered by the Constitutional Court on June 2, 2026, concerning the legal protection available to suspects who raise allegations of torture during criminal proceedings.
The regional court has given the Ugandan Government 45 days to respond to the case.
The Uganda Law Society argues that the Constitutional Court’s decision raises concerns regarding the protection of suspects’ rights and the safeguards available to individuals who allege that they were tortured while in custody or during criminal investigations.
The case now places the matter before the East African Court of Justice, which is mandated to interpret and apply the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, including principles relating to the rule of law and human rights.
The Attorney General is expected to file Uganda’s response within the 45-day period, after which the regional court will consider the arguments presented by both sides.
The case could have significant implications for the handling of torture allegations in Uganda’s criminal justice system and the protection of suspects’ fundamental rights.
REPORT: Police Top Human Rights Violation Complaints in 2025
