Lives of lawyers Odur Anthony and Arinaitwe Peter from Arinaitwe Peter and Co. Advocates are facing threats for prosecuting cases regarding the brutal and illegal eviction of a section of locals in Kapaapi, Hoima district. As a result, the legal team has petitioned the UPDF's Chief of Defense Forces and the Inspector General of Police.
According to reports, one of the lawyers survived an attack on October 4, 2023, in Hoima city while trying to rescue a number of land eviction victims.
It is alleged that Brig. Gen. Nabaasa Peter, Bogere Jackson (the Hoima DPC), Kyakashari Michael (the Deputy RDC Hoima), among others, are behind the eviction of over 120 families whom the said lawyers are representing in Hoima High Court.
In a complaint letter obtained by this website, it has been confirmed that several offices have been copied and received, including the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Uganda Lawyers' Society, Uganda Human Rights Commission, National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda, Chambers of the Principal Judge, Inspector of Courts - Judiciary, Ministry for the Presidency, among others.
"We understand that the primary duty of lawyers, as officers of the court, is to uphold justice and ensure that the law is applied impartially and without fear or favour. However, the constant harassment and threats to the lives of our lawyers since they began offering legal support shouldn't be taken lightly, as it compromises their ability to perform their duties effectively and without intimidation. The safety of all parties involved in the legal proceedings is paramount to the fair and just administration of justice," reads the letter in part.
The above-mentioned officers are facing five (5) different suits, both civil and criminal, which seem to be a threat to their alleged actions, making hundreds of Hoima residents homeless and thus becoming refugees in their own land.
The letter, dated October 10, 2023, is yet to receive responses from the relevant authorities. But according to the lawyers, even though these threats are increasing, they vow not to bow down but to fight harder so that the victims can get justice.
"It's true we have written to the relevant authorities about the continued threats in our fight for the rights of vulnerable humans, but there shall never be enough threats to break us off the fight for justice," Counsel Odur confirmed the threats.
It should be recalled that land evictions are becoming rampant in most parts of the country and are being fueled by moguls and security personnel.
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