Law Society Wants Attorney General Investigated for Corruption
In a letter to the President, the ULS accused Kiwanuka of actions that have allegedly caused substantial financial losses to the government and compromised the integrity of Uganda’s legal institutions.
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has petitioned President Museveni to launch a criminal investigation into Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka over allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and conflicts of interest.
In a letter to the President, the ULS accused Kiwanuka of actions that have allegedly caused substantial financial losses to the government and compromised the integrity of Uganda’s legal institutions.
The society cited sections of the Uganda Law Society Act to justify its call for immediate action to safeguard the rule of law.
The ULS claims Kiwanuka’s actions have resulted in government losses estimated at Shs 100 trillion.
Key allegations include his involvement in fraudulent dealings with the Departed Asians Property Custodian Board (DAPCB), reportedly acquiring over 300 properties in Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale.
The properties, according to the society, could have saved the government billions in annual rent.
The letter further alleges that judicial appointments under Kiwanuka’s tenure have been marred by bribery, with candidates allegedly required to pay between Shs20 million and Shs200 million to secure positions.
Those who refused were purportedly excluded from consideration.
Abuse of Office
Kiwanuka is also accused of misusing his position to interfere in the Uganda Law Society’s 2024 elections, allegedly diverting Shs1.2 billion to influence the outcome.
He is further alleged to have sanctioned the transfer of over Shs200 million to the Uganda Law Society Secretariat under the guise of subscription fees for state attorneys to manipulate voting.
Additionally, the ULS claims that Kiwanuka’s continued involvement with his private law firm, K&K Advocates, while serving as Attorney General, has created conflicts of interest, particularly in cases involving the Attorney General’s Chambers.
The allegations extend beyond Uganda’s borders, with claims that Kiwanuka facilitated the escape of a prisoner from Interpol custody, allegedly accepting a $1 million bribe.
This incident reportedly strained Uganda’s diplomatic relations with South Sudan and Interpol.
The letter also accuses Kiwanuka of undermining Uganda’s judiciary by threatening judicial officers and manipulating case assignments.
It highlights the controversial Kilembe Mines deal, which allegedly led to significant financial losses.
The ULS has urged President Museveni to direct the Criminal Investigations Directorate to investigate Kiwanuka, suspend him from office to ensure a fair probe, and conduct a forensic audit of his tenure.
It has also called for the freezing of assets allegedly acquired through corrupt means.
The society stressed that restoring the integrity of Uganda’s legal system and addressing the alleged misconduct is critical for national governance.
President Museveni's response to these allegations will be closely monitored by stakeholders, both within and beyond Uganda.
