Lawyer Kenneth Muhangi has issued a strong message of solidarity following the reported abduction of Senior Counsel Erias Lukwago, urging authorities to respect the rights and dignity of legal practitioners in Uganda.
Lukwago, a former Kampala Lord Mayor and leading opposition lawyer, was reportedly taken from his home in Wakaliga on Monday morning in an operation involving armed security personnel.
His whereabouts remained unclear hours after the incident, sparking concern among legal circles and political actors.
In his message, Muhangi expressed deep concern over circulating images showing Lukwago allegedly blindfolded during detention, describing them as disturbing and incompatible with the standards expected in a constitutional democracy.
“Senior Counsel Elias Lukwago, we your fellow Advocates stand with you. There’s no humor whatsoever in the images we have seen online and we hope those who have arrested you will respect your dignity and right to practice law in this Country that belongs to us all,” Muhangi stated.
His remarks add to growing condemnation from sections of the legal fraternity, who argue that the treatment of Lukwago raises serious questions about due process and the protection of lawyers engaged in politically sensitive cases.
Lukwago has been actively involved in high-profile legal representation, including defending opposition figures in ongoing treason-related proceedings.
His role has placed him at the centre of politically charged legal battles, often drawing public attention to the relationship between the judiciary and security agencies.
Muhangi’s message reflects wider concern within the legal profession over what some describe as a pattern of intimidation against lawyers handling opposition-linked cases.