The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly condemned the alleged abduction and reported intimidation of senior lawyer and politician Erias Lukwago, warning that the incident amounts to a serious breach of constitutional protections and the independence of the legal profession.
ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, in a firm statement, said the reported actions against Lukwago represent an unlawful interference with the work of advocates and a direct attack on the rule of law in Uganda.
He argued that no security agency has the mandate to interfere with lawyers performing their professional duties.
“The act of intimidation, harassment and obstruction of a lawyer in the discharge of his professional duties is unconstitutional. Under Article 208(2), the army is subordinate to civilian authority and has no role whatsoever in intimidating or arresting members of the Bar for performing their constitutional duties,” Asiimwe said.
He added that the reported conduct violates key constitutional provisions that safeguard civil liberties, legal representation, and institutional independence.
According to Asiimwe, the actions in question contravene Articles 20, 40(2), and 221 of the Constitution of Uganda, which guarantee fundamental rights, fair hearing, and regulation of state security organs.
He further cited international legal standards, including the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers—particularly Principles 16, 18, and 23—as well as the International Bar Association (IBA) Standards on the Independence of the Legal Profession.
The ULS leadership warned that any interference with lawyers performing their duties undermines justice systems and weakens public confidence in the judiciary.
“This action further violates Articles 20, 40(2), and 221 of the Constitution, as well as the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers and the IBA Standards. It is a direct assault on the rule of law and constitutional order,” Asiimwe noted.
He stressed that the legal profession must be protected from coercion or retaliation, arguing that lawyers serve as a critical safeguard for justice and accountability.
“An attack on one advocate is an attack on the entire Bar and on the rule of law itself,” he added.
The remarks come amid growing political tension and public debate following reports that Lukwago was taken by armed personnel in a military-style operation.
While details surrounding the incident remain unverified by official government statements, the development has sparked concern among legal and political actors who are demanding clarity on his whereabouts and legal status.