The Uganda Law Society (ULS)has denounced what it termed as unlawful interference by the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao in judicial independence.
According to ULS, last month, Mao directed the acting Inspector General of Police to restore a pre-existing status quo by placing Francis Ishanga back into possession of a disputed property against a court order which had been issued earlier.
The law society said this was a clear violation of the constitution which emphasises independence of the judiciary.
“In the exercise of judicial power, the courts shall be independent and shall not be subject to the control or direction of any person or authority,” ULS said.
“We therefore caution the police and other government agencies to agencies against implementing unlawful directives from of the Hon Minister and advise the aggrieved parties to instead seek legal procedures pertaining review or appeal in courts,”
The lawyers’ body said the law in regards land mandates that once issued, a court order must be obeyed, urging police against implementing the minister’s order.
“The judiciary should continue to make judicial decisions based solely on the law and evidence presented before them.”
