Uganda – Dr. Esther Kitimbo Kisaakye, a renowned Ugandan Supreme Court Justice, has been forced to flee her home country due to persistent threats to her life. According to documents obtained by Uganda Radio Network (URN), Justice Kisaakye has been living in exile, fearing for her safety.
The troubles began in 2021 when Justice Kisaakye disagreed with eight fellow justices over the handling of a presidential election petition filed by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine. Kisaakye accused Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo of attempting to suppress her constitutional right to deliver a minority judgment ¹.
The fallout led to a series of retaliatory actions against Justice Kisaakye, including removal from her administrative role, denial of new work, and suspension of her salary and benefits. Despite her efforts to seek redress through internal channels and the courts, Kisaakye’s situation remained precarious.
In July 2023, Kisaakye received a report of an imminent threat to her life, prompting her to seek refuge abroad. Her case has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations and legal experts calling for action to protect her safety and uphold judicial independence.
