By Aggrey BabaMinister of State for gender, labour, and social development in charge of children and youth affairs, Dr. Balaam Barugahara, is under fire after making what many online have described as an “insensitive” and “tone-deaf” comment in response to lawyer Enock Kizito’s public resignation from the Uganda Law Society (ULS).
Kizito posted his resignation letter on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday, explaining that he was stepping down from all his duties within the ULS due to credible threats to his life linked to his official duties.
He accused the society of neglect and failing to offer him any protection or support despite the risks, trauma, and abuse he said he had been subjected to.
Instead of comforting the young lawyer, Dr. Balaam, in a reply that stirred outrage, said: “Counsel, no one will touch you. Uganda is a peaceful and law-abiding nation. Hope you reported to CID Tom Magambo and CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba about the threats?”
The comment did not sit well with the online community, and one commenter wrote that Dr. Balaam was living in denial. “Today you move with your head high because of Muhoozi, but the day mafias within the state turn against you, that’s the day you will understand what people are talking about. There’s no peace when there are divisions in state power,” the user said.
Another fired back sarcastically, asking: “Does your CDF know anything concerning law?” Accusing the Balaam of reducing a legal matter to a military one.
Many began to compare the lawyer’s situation to the late Muhammad Kirumira, the former DPC of Buyende, who was assassinated in 2018 after making public his fears about state-linked mafias. “Hon. Balaam, do you remember the cry of former DPC Buyende, the fallen Kirumira?” one asked. Adding that he had truly supported this government, but here he discredited the security and the entire government. “This may happen again to the young counsel,” he warned.
Someone else added, “Can you tell us who murdered Abiriga, Kirumira, Kaweesi, and those who attempted to murder General Katumba Wamala since we’re in a peaceful country?”
The criticism continued, with one online in-law telling the minister: “Remember to apologize to the late Afande Kirumira’s kids buddy. Threats are real. The killers walk away. All those offices you tagged care about protecting the state. What happens if one’s death is in the interest of the State?”
According to his letter, Kizito had served in several capacities, including as P.A to the ULS CEO, Clerk to Council, Head of Protocol, and Chief Scheduler for the Radical New Bar (RNB) President.
He said the decision to resign was not made lightly but had become necessary due to the constant security threats and the ULS’s alleged failure to intervene.
This incident has deepened the cracks already visible within the ULS. The institution is still reeling from the political exile of its President Isaac Ssemakadde, who fled after a court issued a warrant for his arrest.
With Ssemakadde away and now Kizito out, the ULS is increasingly being viewed as a troubled organization struggling to retain credibility and protect its own.
Meanwhile, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda responded to the resignation, saying: “This resignation is rejected. We shall convene a formal meeting to resolve matters arising.” His response was seen as a rare moment of political sensitivity in a conversation otherwise clouded by power games and defensive rhetoric.
What remains clear is that many Ugandans no longer find comfort in being told their country is peaceful, especially when those who speak out claim they are living in fear, and when those in power seem more interested in image than intervention. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
