Kampala, Uganda: Uganda’s legal fraternity (Uganda Law Society -ULS) has fired back against what it describes as growing military intimidation of lawyers, warning senior army officers against interfering with the independence of the legal profession.
In a statement released Tuesday, May 19, under the banner of the Radical New Bar (RNB), the lawyers accused senior military officials of threatening constitutional order and undermining the rule of law through public attacks on advocates representing politically exposed clients.
The explosive statement comes days after Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba made social media comments widely interpreted as targeting Advocate Caleb Alaka over his legal representation of former Speaker Anita Among, who has recently faced mounting scrutiny linked to corruption-related investigations.
Without directly naming Gen Muhoozi in parts of the statement, the lawyers condemned what they called “extrajudicial social media statements” and warnings allegedly suggesting that lawyers defending corruption suspects would “face consequences.”
“The Uganda Law Society strongly condemns recent extrajudicial social media statements directed at Advocate Caleb Alaka concerning his representation of Rt Hon Anita Among,” the statement reads in part.
According to ULS Vice President, Asiimwe Anthony, no advocate should face intimidation, harassment, or threats simply for representing a client, regardless of the allegations surrounding the case.
He further warned that Uganda risks sliding into what it described as “practising law under military rule,” citing increasing military influence in civilian affairs, alleged abductions, internet disruptions, and intimidation of legal practitioners.
Asiimwe referenced the recent arrest and alleged brutalisation of Advocate Kakuru Tumusiime at Magere while attempting to access his clients linked to National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, describing it as evidence of worsening harassment against lawyers.
In one of the strongest sections of the statement, the ULS boss warned senior military commanders, including the CDF, that they bear “command responsibility” under both Ugandan and international law for unlawful actions committed by subordinates under their command.
“There is no immunity for such acts under Ugandan law or International Criminal Law,” he said, calling on the Judiciary to expedite pending cases in which Gen Muhoozi has reportedly been sued in his personal capacity.
The legal body stressed that Article 28(3)(d) of Uganda’s Constitution guarantees every accused person the right to legal representation of their choice, insisting that lawyers do not become criminally liable merely by defending unpopular or controversial clients.
“No lawyer becomes criminally liable merely by representing a client,” Asiimwe emphasized.
The ULS also accused the army leadership of repeatedly ignoring invitations for dialogue, revealing that since January 2025, several requests for a bilateral engagement between the legal fraternity and military leadership have allegedly gone unanswered.
The lawyers have now invited army leaders to attend the upcoming 15th RNB Live session at ULS House this Thursday. “Speak to us directly, not behind a keypad,” Asiimwe asserted.
The fresh confrontation between Uganda’s legal fraternity and the military establishment is expected to intensify debate around constitutional freedoms, separation of powers, and the growing role of security agencies in civilian and judicial matters ahead of the country’s increasingly heated political season.
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