A press conference convened by the Uganda Law Society on Thursday took a political turn after Advocate Zawedde Lubwama sharply criticised the circumstances surrounding the arrest of her husband, former Kampala Lord Mayor Hajji Nasser Ntege Sebaggala ally and political figure Hajji Abdu Kiyimba Lubwama.
Addressing members of the legal fraternity, Zawedde called for sweeping reforms within Uganda’s judiciary, warning that the rule of law was under increasing threat.
She urged judicial officers to take a more active stance in defending constitutionalism.
“We need a radical new bench. Let the bench get away from the curtains, join us and we fight for the rule of law. When the bar and the bench are attacked, everyone is attacked,” she said.
Her remarks come amid growing tension between legal practitioners and security agencies over what critics describe as arbitrary arrests and disregard for due process.
The Uganda Law Society has in recent months raised concerns about shrinking civic space and alleged intimidation of lawyers representing opposition figures.
Zawedde also used the platform to express appreciation to the society’s leadership for organising the engagement, singling out Vice President Anthony Asiimwe for his role.
“Thank you, Uganda Law Society; thank you Vice President Anthony for steering the efforts,” she stated.
However, her address quickly shifted into broader political commentary, where she questioned the leadership trajectory of the country. In a direct swipe, she criticised the conduct of Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, whose public statements and social media activity have repeatedly drawn controversy.
“Uganda deserves a better leader now. The way Gen. Muhoozi behaves makes one think he is under the influence of something. Uganda truly deserves better,” she said.
Her comments are likely to intensify debate over the role of the military in civilian affairs, especially as political rhetoric sharpens ahead of future electoral contests.
The arrest of Lubwama, which triggered the remarks, has not been fully detailed by authorities, but it has already drawn scrutiny from legal and civil society actors demanding transparency and adherence to constitutional safeguards.