Kampala City, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has established a special protection committee and international solidarity mechanism aimed at safeguarding lawyers against arrests, detention, intimidation, and other threats that interfere with the practice of law.
The new framework, created under Executive Order RNB No. 10 of 2026, establishes the Section 3(c) Committee and International Solidarity Programme (ISP), which the Society says will serve as a frontline response mechanism for advocates facing growing challenges in the course of their professional duties.
The executive order cites recent incidents involving the “abduction, detention, reported torture and prosecution of members of the Bar, as well as interference with the practice of law” as justification for creating a structured response system to protect advocates and preserve the independence of the legal profession.
“Recent events, including the abduction, detention, reported torture and prosecution of members of the Bar, as well as interference with the practice of law, threaten the independence of the legal profession and access to justice,” the order, signed by ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde, S.C, and Acting Secretary Ssali Babu, states in part.
Defending the Bar
The order further states that the initiative for its formation is anchored on Section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act, which mandates the Society to represent, protect, and assist members of the legal profession.
According to Mr Ssemakadde, the committee’s overarching purpose is “to protect advocates and conditions of practice amid militarization, lawfare, and other emerging threats.”
In the order, the ULS Chief defines threats broadly to include arrest, detention, abduction, enforced disappearance, intimidation, surveillance, cyberattacks, denial of access to clients, judicial intimidation, administrative harassment, and the alleged abuse of laws to target advocates and their clients.
Among the committee’s objectives are providing immediate legal assistance to lawyers under threat, defending constitutional guarantees, documenting violations against advocates, building resilience through digital security training, and coordinating international solidarity initiatives.
A 24-Hour Emergency Response
One of the most notable features of the new framework is the establishment of a 24-hour emergency response system for lawyers.
Ssemakadde says the committee will operate “a 24-hour hotline and rapid deployment system for members in distress” and will be empowered to file urgent court applications, including habeas corpus petitions and bail applications for affected advocates.
The committee will also maintain a confidential incident register, publish quarterly bulletins on emerging threats, and monitor detention facilities and courts for alleged violations of fair trial rights.
The order further directs the committee to issue “Know Your Rights materials, Digital Security Protocols, and Family Emergency Scripts” to lawyers and their families.
International Solidarity Programme
The executive order also creates the International Solidarity Programme (ISP), which will coordinate emergency assistance for advocates facing serious risks. The programme will be responsible for coordinating “evacuation, temporary shelter and safe relocation programmes for advocates facing imminent risk.”
It will additionally liaise with international legal and human rights bodies, including the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), Lawyers for Lawyers (L4L) and United Nations mechanisms to mobilise protective advocacy on behalf of lawyers.
In another significant provision, the programme will secure international funding and legal support for advocates facing prosecution or financial restrictions.
The order specifically mandates the ISP to secure support for legal defence “including defence against financial restrictions and ‘foreign agent’ designations.”
Committee Leadership
The inaugural Section 3(c) Committee will be chaired by Lillian A. Drabo, with Steven Kalali serving as Vice Chairperson and Amina Acola as Coordinator of the International Solidarity Programme.
Other members include David Oluka, Arnold Musinguzi, Ayesiga Rabecca, Mishele Geoffrey, Yasin Ssentumbwe Munagomba, Calvin Kilama, Joy Moureen Adiru, Olanya Isaac Ronald, Mujoma Abdallah Abdurahman, and Spinoza Achom. Acting Secretary Ssali Babu will serve as an ex-officio member.
The committee is empowered to demand access to detained advocates and clients, issue public advisories, instruct counsel on urgent constitutional litigation and administer emergency intervention funds drawn from the Legal Assistance Fund.
Growing Debate Over Rule of Law
Ssemakadde’s latest executive order comes amid increasing debate within Uganda’s legal and political circles regarding the treatment of lawyers involved in politically sensitive cases.
DailyExpress understands that the establishment of the committee was triggered by concerns raised by legal practitioners about arrests, detention, prosecutions, and restrictions affecting members of the Bar, the latest of which is former Kampala Lord Mayor and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) President, Erias Lukwago.
By creating a dedicated protection mechanism, ULS says it is seeking to strengthen the independence of the legal profession and ensure lawyers can discharge their duties without fear.
“The Society recognises the need for structured, proactive mechanisms to monitor, respond to, and build resilience against military interference and other emerging threats to the practice of law,” the order, which takes immediate effect, stated.
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