Kenyan former Justice Minister Martha Karua has raised alarm over what she described as rising intimidation targeting lawyers in Uganda following the abduction of prominent advocate Erias Lukwago.
Karua, who is part of the defence team representing opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye in a treason case alongside Lukwago, spoke on Monday during a press briefing organised by the Uganda Law Society in Kampala.
The controversy escalated after Gen Muhoozi, in a post on X, allegedly acknowledged Lukwago’s arrest and further hinted that Karua herself could be “next,” remarks that have triggered concern among legal practitioners and human rights observers.
Speaking at the gathering, Karua underscored the constitutional duty of lawyers to defend the rule of law, equality before the law, and the independence of the judiciary, insisting that such principles must be protected without exception.
“We are here to stand up for the rule of law, to stand up for equality under the law, and to stand up for the independence of the courts as provided for by the Constitution and the laws of Uganda and international human rights standards,” she said.
Karua warned that the treatment of Lukwago signalled a broader pattern that could intimidate lawyers involved in politically sensitive cases, potentially undermining the justice system.
“Today's actions are a harbinger of intimidation against counsel in Uganda and, by extension, against other lawyers who appear in such cases,” she said.
Her comments came as legal stakeholders continued to question the circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s detention, with growing calls for transparency from security agencies and clarity on his whereabouts.
Karua also made a direct appeal to President Yoweri Museveni, urging him to intervene and uphold constitutional guarantees amid rising tensions between state security actors and members of the legal fraternity.
“I appeal to President Museveni to restore the rule of law and ensure respect for judicial independence,” she said.
The developments have intensified debate within Uganda’s legal and political circles, with critics warning that threats—whether physical or through social media—against defence lawyers risk weakening the independence of the judiciary and eroding public trust in due process.