The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has criticised Chief Justice Flavian Zeija over his recent warning to people who attack judicial officers online, saying the remarks threaten free speech and public confidence in the courts.
ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde said judges are not beyond criticism and warned that threatening critics could harm democracy.
“Judges, like all public officials in a democratic society, do not enjoy immunity from criticism, caustic commentary, or even insult,” Ssemakadde said. “Public officials who exercise significant power over citizens must tolerate a higher level of scrutiny than private individuals.”
ULS said freedom of expression, guaranteed by the Constitution and international human rights law, protects open debate about state institutions, including the Judiciary.
The lawyers’ body also raised concern over the growing use of laws such as scandalising the court, criminal libel, the Computer Misuse Act and the Data Protection and Privacy Act to police online speech.
“An obsession with policing online narratives threatens the very legitimacy the Judiciary seeks to protect,” ULS said.
It warned that treating critics as enemies could make judges appear political rather than impartial.
“If critics are treated as enemies rather than stakeholders, judges risk being perceived as politicians,” the statement said.
ULS said the Judiciary’s low public trust is caused by corruption, delays, political interference and unequal access to justice, not social media criticism.
“Respect for the Judiciary must be earned through consistent, courageous, and people-centred adjudication,” Ssemakadde said.
The society called on the Judiciary to focus on clearing case backlogs, strengthening accountability and showing independence in sensitive cases.
“The Judiciary exists to serve the people, not to be insulated from them,” ULS added.
Chief Justice Zeija made his comments while opening the New Law Year, saying criticism of court decisions is allowed but personal attacks on judges are not.
“No judicial officer should be harassed while carrying out judicial duties,” he said, adding that the Judiciary would look for lawful ways to protect judges from online abuse while keeping accountability.
