Uganda’s Shadow Justice: The Rising Threat of Extrajudicial Killings and a Crisis of Accountability
In January, Mwesigwa Masagazi heard what he thought were gunshots near his workplace in Uganda. Hours later, he learned his 23-year-old son, Ivan Sentongo, was dead – allegedly killed by soldiers while attempting robbery. But the circumstances, as Masagazi recounts, felt chillingly like an extrajudicial killing, a practice increasingly casting a dark shadow over Uganda’s justice system. This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a symptom of a deeply troubling trend that threatens the rule of law and erodes public trust.
The Anatomy of Impunity: A Pattern of Violence
Extrajudicial killings – the execution of individuals by state authorities without due process – are not new to Uganda. However, reports from human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Chapter Four Uganda suggest they are becoming more frequent and brazen. While precise data remains elusive, a 2019 study by the Human Rights and Peace Center at Makerere University School of Law documented 133 such killings by the army and police between 2016 and 2018. This figure doesn’t even include the more than 150 deaths during the 2016 attack on the Rwenzururu Palace, a separate incident widely condemned as excessive force.
The lack of transparency surrounding these deaths is a major concern. Families like Masagazi’s often face roadblocks in obtaining accurate information, with police reports offering conflicting narratives or minimal detail. The delays in the criminal justice system further exacerbate the problem, leaving perpetrators unpunished and fostering a climate of impunity. As Henry Byansi, a human rights lawyer, explains, “They are the ones who sanction these operations…The excuse of investigations is just a signal they are not willing to prosecute.”
Denials and Diverging Accounts: A Crisis of Trust
Official responses to allegations of extrajudicial killings are often dismissive. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango vehemently denies the existence of such practices, attributing any deaths to unintentional incidents during legitimate police operations. Similarly, Col. Chris Magezi, the army’s acting spokesperson, claims those killed were engaged in violent crimes. These denials stand in stark contrast to the testimonies of victims’ families and the findings of human rights observers.
The case of Katongole Fahad, killed during a shootout at Acacia Mall in Kampala, exemplifies this disconnect. While police claimed he was a robbery suspect, his brother, Hassan (who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal), alleges Fahad was killed with his hands raised in surrender, a claim supported by eyewitness accounts. This discrepancy highlights a critical issue: the difficulty in establishing the truth when state actors are implicated in alleged wrongdoing.
The Role of Militarization and Eroding Rule of Law
Experts point to Uganda’s growing militarization as a key driver of this trend. The increasing involvement of the military in civilian affairs – from land disputes to fisheries management – has blurred the lines between security forces and law enforcement, leading to a more aggressive approach to maintaining order. Zahara Nampewo, deputy dean at Makerere University’s School of Law, notes that this militarization has eroded public trust in security forces and undermined the rule of law. This trend isn’t unique to Uganda; similar patterns have been observed in other nations experiencing global increases in state-sponsored violence.
Looking Ahead: Potential Future Trends and Implications
Several factors suggest the problem of extrajudicial killings in Uganda could worsen. Political instability, coupled with rising crime rates, may incentivize security forces to take more direct – and potentially unlawful – action. The lack of independent oversight and accountability mechanisms further exacerbates the risk. Furthermore, the increasing use of surveillance technologies, without adequate safeguards, could lead to more targeted killings based on flawed intelligence.
However, there are also potential catalysts for change. Growing public awareness, fueled by social media and the work of human rights organizations, could put pressure on the government to address the issue. Increased international scrutiny and potential sanctions could also incentivize reform. The key will be strengthening independent institutions, ensuring transparent investigations, and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their rank or affiliation.
The story of Mwesigwa Masagazi and his son Ivan is a stark reminder of the human cost of impunity. Unless Uganda confronts this crisis of accountability, the shadow of extrajudicial killings will continue to loom large, threatening the foundations of justice and the rule of law. What steps can civil society take to demand greater transparency and accountability from Ugandan security forces? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
