The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly condemned the arrest of prominent lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, describing the incident as an attack on the rule of law, judicial independence, and the legal profession.
Lukwago, who serves as acting president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and is part of Dr. Kizza Besigye’s legal team, was reportedly seized by armed men in military uniform from his residence in Wakaliga on Monday morning.
The arrest has sparked widespread concern among legal practitioners and human rights advocates, particularly because it occurred amid ongoing legal proceedings involving Dr. Kizza Besigye and fellow detainee Obeid Lutale.
Addressing journalists, Martha Karua, one of Dr. Besigye’s lawyers alleged that Lukwago’s arrest was linked to his efforts to serve court documents on Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is named as a respondent in a human rights case currently before the High Court’s Human Rights Division.
According to the lawyer, Lukwago had formally requested court summons during a hearing on June 11 to facilitate service of legal process on General Muhoozi ahead of a scheduled hearing on June 30.
“It is apparent from the public statements and social media posts of the CDF that Counsel Lukwago has been arrested or abducted because he intended to serve court process upon him,” the lawyer said.
She described the incident as “direct interference with the administration of justice” and warned that it undermines public confidence in Uganda’s constitutional order.
“The Constitution of Uganda clearly states that nobody is above the law. General Muhoozi is not above the Constitution. His office itself is created by the Constitution,” She added.
The lawyer called on the judiciary, led by the Chief Justice, to respond decisively to what she termed a blatant affront to the courts and judicial independence.
She further argued that the arrest raises serious concerns about whether Dr. Besigye and Obeid Lutale can expect a fair hearing in their ongoing legal battles.
The Uganda Law Society also issued a strongly worded statement through its Acting Secretary General, Babu Ssali, demanding Lukwago’s immediate and unconditional release within 24 hours.
“The Uganda Law Society has established a Rule of Law Committee team to pursue both domestic and international legal action should Mr. Lukwago not be released within the stipulated period,” Ssali announced.
The legal body warned that failure to release Lukwago could trigger legal proceedings against individuals deemed responsible for his detention, including the Chief of Defence Forces.
ULS emphasized that advocates must be allowed to perform their professional duties without intimidation, harassment, or fear of retaliation, in accordance with Uganda’s Constitution and internationally recognized legal standards.
The society described the arrest as a dangerous precedent that threatens the independence of the legal profession and the administration of justice.
Meanwhile, calls have intensified for President Yoweri Museveni, as Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, to intervene and ensure respect for constitutional processes and the rule of law.
As of Monday evening, Lukwago’s whereabouts had not been officially disclosed, prompting growing concern among his family, colleagues, and supporters.
