Uganda's Legal Community Mourns Veteran Lawyer Peter Muliira

Uganda’s legal community is in mourning following the death of veteran lawyer Peter Muliira, who passed away early on Saturday.

Muliira served as a senior partner at Mulira & Co. Advocates and held the respected position of minister for heritage affairs in the Buganda kingdom. He was renowned for his profound understanding of land issues, particularly defending the Mailo land tenure system.

Human rights advocate Eron Kiiza praised Muliira as an exceptional legal talent who used his skills to combat corruption, oppression, and injustice. Kiiza noted his influence through legal practice, leadership, and writing, calling him a role model for young lawyers.

Buganda’s Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, lauded Muliira’s wisdom and intellectual depth, mentioning his roots as the son of the late Eldard and Rebecca Muliira. His family ties connect to prominent figures, including links to Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

Muliira gained prominence as lead counsel in Constitutional Petition No. 18 of 2005 for the Uganda Law Society. The case ruled that military interference and trials of civilians in military courts breached rights to liberty, fair trial, and jurisdiction.

This stemmed from the 2007 High Court siege in Kampala, where armed individuals in unmarked police uniforms re-arrested suspects tied to the People’s Redemption Army after their release. It echoed a prior 2005 incident involving UPDF forces blocking suspects’ freedom amid Dr. Kizza Besigye’s presidential bid against President Museveni.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)