The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly protested the military arrest and detention of Advocate Erias Lukwago, the lead counsel for Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale, describing the action as a direct assault on the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law. The Society, therefore, issued the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba a 24-hour ultimatum to have the victim released.
Addressing journalists at an impromptu press conference on Monday, June 15th, 2026, at ULS House, Plot 5A John Babiiha Road, the Acting Secretary, Ssali Babu read a protest note signed by the Society President, Isaac Ssemakade, who is currently in exile. The note condemned the arrest as an act of intimidation and obstruction of justice.
“The military has no mandate to arrest, detain, or threaten lawyers appearing before civilian courts. This action further violates Article 20, Article 42, and Article 221 of the Constitution, as well as the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Advocates,” the note read in part.
The Society accused Gen Muhoozi of contempt of court, citing his public statements threatening to arrest anyone attempting to serve court process on him.
Additionally, ULS described the arrest as part of a broader pattern of militarisation interfering with the legal profession.
Lead Counsel Martha Karua, speaking via Zoom, called the development a blatant interference with due process.
“General Muhoozi is not above the law. This is direct interference with the administration of justice and it is suggesting that General Muhoozi is above the law,” she said.
The ULS demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Advocate Lukwago within 24 hours, full disclosure of his whereabouts and condition, and a public commitment that lawyers will not be targeted for carrying out their professional duties.
The Society warned that failure to comply would attract command responsibility consequences for the CDF personally under Ugandan and international law.
The Society also highlighted previous incidents involving advocates Eron Kiiza, Katoto Musiime, and Caleb Alaka.
ULS further said that it would pursue legal remedies both domestically and internationally if the demands are not met, describing the arrest as an attack on the entire legal profession and the rule of law.
