Fresh pressure is mounting on the Ugandan government following a strong joint statement by bar associations, law societies, and lawyers’ organisations over the controversial arrest and detention of advocate Erias Lukwago, a development that has sparked wider concerns about the state of justice and legal freedoms in the country.
In the statement, the legal bodies called for a “prompt, independent, impartial, and transparent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s alleged enforced disappearance, detention, and reported ill-treatment.
The groups warned that failure to address the matter could undermine public confidence in Uganda’s justice system.
They further raised alarm over alleged threats and intimidation targeting Lukwago in connection with his legal work, urging authorities to ensure that any such incidents are investigated swiftly and conclusively.
According to the statement, lawyers must be protected from interference while executing their professional duties.
“Any allegations of unlawful detention, torture, or degrading treatment must be independently investigated and those responsible held accountable,” the organisations stated, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to constitutional safeguards and international human rights standards.
The lawyers’ bodies also demanded guarantees for Lukwago’s safety, dignity, and access to legal counsel, family members, and medical care.
They insisted that criminal proceedings against him should either be dropped or conducted strictly within the framework of Uganda’s Constitution and fair trial principles, warning against what they termed potential abuse of legal process.
At the same time, the statement cautioned public officials, including members of the military, against making statements that could interfere with ongoing judicial processes or undermine the presumption of innocence.
The concerns extended beyond Lukwago’s case, with the organisations highlighting the safety of lawyers representing opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale, who are facing treason charges.
The groups called for their protection amid what they described as a tense legal and political environment.
In a notable diplomatic dimension, the legal bodies criticised the declaration of Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua as persona non grata, arguing that the move lacks basis in Uganda’s domestic law. They called for its immediate reversal to allow her to continue representing her clients.
The joint statement concluded with a broader appeal for Uganda to uphold the independence of the legal profession and align with international standards, including the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, to ensure justice is administered without fear or interference.