afrol News, 7 March - Ugandan judges have thrown their wigs to protest against what they called a judicial interference by their country's armed security forces who intruded the High Court building in the capital Kampala to prevent the bailed suspects from leaving. Also the UN's human rights office in Kampala damned the Ugandan government for its attempts to undermine judicial independence; a hallmark of democracy.

In a statement, the UN said it "reaffirms that an independent judiciary is key to upholding the rule of law in a democratic and free society." It described judicial interference as a very serious matter, which also was the reason why the judiciary suspends all activities throughout the country.

Armed Ugandan police recently sealed the registry office of the High Court to prevent the bailed members of the People's Redemption Army standing trial from leaving the place. They re-arrested the accused persons and mistreated them in the process.

Some years back, armed Ugandan security forces launched a similar raid at the High Court while court proceedings were going on.

UN officials saw the move as an attempt to disrupt judicial proceedings, intimidate and threaten judges and lawyers.

President Yoweri Museveni's office said it will open investigations into the issue.

The UN body said it "unequivocally condemns the interference by armed security forces with the independence of the judiciary, contrary to the constitution and international human rights principles, which undermines the rule of law and administration of justice in Uganda."

The Ugandan government was therefore urged to respect judicial verdicts and see to that the violators of human rights and constitutional provisions were brought to prosecution.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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