Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has rapped out to the Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, strongly condemning the inhumane arrest and detention of senior advocate Erias Lukwago and demanding his immediate release.
The development follows a dramatic turn of events on Monday morning when former Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, one of Uganda’s most prominent lawyers and lead counsel for opposition veteran Dr Kizza Besigye and political activist Hajj Obeid Lutale, was reportedly arrested by military personnel attached to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
According to the ULS, armed personnel allegedly raided Lukwago’s residence before taking him into custody. The circumstances surrounding his arrest remained unclear by Monday evening, although the incident appeared connected to the ongoing legal battle involving Besigye and Lutale.
The arrest comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the treason case in which Besigye and Lutale are accused of offences against the state. Lukwago has been one of the lead lawyers spearheading the defence team and has frequently challenged the manner in which security agencies have handled the matter.
The situation escalated when Gen. Muhoozi posted a series of remarks on social media appearing to reference Lukwago’s arrest. In one post, the CDF reportedly stated that he had “captured a fool and taken him to the basement,” while in another he warned that those attempting to serve court documents would also be arrested.
Those comments quickly triggered condemnation from sections of the legal fraternity, opposition politicians and human rights activists, who argued that they amounted to intimidation of legal practitioners performing their constitutional duties.
Reacting to the development, the Uganda Law Society said the public statements attributed to the army chief, coupled with the reported military raid on Lukwago’s home, represented one of the most serious attacks on the independence of lawyers and the administration of justice in recent years.
President Isaac Ssemakadde argued that arresting a defence lawyer while actively engaged in representing clients before court undermines the constitutional right to a fair hearing and threatens the independence of Uganda’s justice system.
“It has come to our attention that Advocate Erias Lukwago, lead counsel for Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale in the ongoing treason trial before the High Court of Uganda, was this morning invaded at his home and arrested and detained by members of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).”
“We note with grave alarm your public statements including ‘I have captured a FOOL and taken him to the basement!’ and ‘This one will learn Kiswahili,’ ‘Please serve the papers and I’ll arrest both you and whoever serves them!'”
The lawyers’ body further contended that attempts to prevent advocates from serving court documents or participating in ongoing proceedings amount to obstruction of officers of court and could interfere with judicial functions protected under the Constitution.
“These statements, coupled with the military invasion of Advocate Lukwago’s home, constitute the highest act of intimidation, harassment and obstruction of a lawyer in the discharge of his professional duties,” Ssemakadde noted.
The society president also linked the incident to what it described as a growing pattern of harassment against lawyers involved in politically sensitive cases.
Citing previous incidents involving Advocate Caleb Alaka, Ssemakadde pointed out to similar incidents like threats to Counsel Caleb Alaka who represented Speaker Anita Among in a high-profile matter, and Advocate Kato Tumusiime, who was reportedly arrested at the home of National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine.
The ULS Chief warned that continued targeting of advocates could erode public confidence in the justice system and undermine constitutional governance.
The lawyers’ body subsequently issued four key demands.
These include the immediate and unconditional release of Lukwago, disclosure of his whereabouts and physical condition, guarantees from the UPDF that lawyers will not be targeted while representing clients, and intervention by the Chief Justice to ensure the safety of judges, lawyers and litigants involved in ongoing proceedings.
ULS further warned that failure to address the matter could trigger legal, professional, regional and international action against those deemed responsible. “An attack on one advocate is an attack on the entire Bar and on the rule of law itself,” the society declared.
The latest incident is likely to intensify debate over the relationship between security agencies and the judiciary, particularly in politically sensitive cases, as calls grow for authorities to clarify the circumstances of Lukwago’s detention and guarantee the independence of legal practitioners.
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