Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has written to the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, demanding urgent clarification on the involvement of the Uganda Police Force in the controversial eviction of M/s Muwema & Co. Advocates from their offices in Kololo.
In a letter dated March 9, 2026, ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony questioned IGP Byakagaba on the legality of the operation carried out on March 6, when the law firm was forcefully evicted from Plot 50 Windsor Crescent, Kololo, reportedly with police support.
The lawyers’ umbrella body said the circumstances surrounding the eviction have raised serious concerns among members of the legal profession and the wider public.
“The legality of the whole operation is now in issue and it is of interest to our members and the public, who struggle to get police clearance for lawful eviction warrants, to understand what transpired,” the letter states.
ULS, which is mandated under Section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act to represent and protect the interests of lawyers in Uganda, is seeking detailed explanations regarding the role played by police during the eviction.
Asiimwe asked whether the Inspector General of Police authorised the eviction, and if so, which police commander supervised the operation.
The lawyers also want to know whether the Directorate of Human Rights and Legal Services of the Uganda Police Force reviewed the matter before officers participated in the eviction.
Another key concern raised by ULS relates to whether police verified the existence of a lawful court eviction warrant before supporting the exercise.
The society further demanded clarification on the handling of confidential client materials belonging to the law firm, including files, electronic records and other sensitive documents.
“Who were the police officers involved in handling, accessing, removing or securing confidential client data, documents, electronic records and other sensitive information belonging to M/s Muwema & Co. Advocates?” the letter queries.
ULS also asked police to disclose the current custody and security arrangements for the materials reportedly removed during the operation.
In addition, the lawyers’ body questioned the deployment of A-1 Security Systems Limited, asking whether the private security company was authorised in accordance with the Police (Control of Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 2013.
The society also wants police to identify the bailiffs involved in the eviction and produce an inventory of items removed from the premises verified by supervising police officers and local authorities.
ULS has given the police chief five working days to respond to the concerns.
“The legal profession and the public at large must be assured that law enforcement officers do not lend their authority to processes that fall outside the boundaries of the law,” the letter reads.
The dispute over the eviction of Muwema & Co. Advocates, one of Uganda’s prominent law firms, has sparked debate within the legal community about the rule of law and the role of police in civil enforcement actions.
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