The East Africa Law Society (EALS) has expressed deep concern over the arrest, detention, and prosecution of veteran lawyer and politician Erias Lukwago, warning that the case raises critical questions about the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law in Uganda.
In a statement issued from Arusha, Tanzania, on June 19, 2026, EALS said the circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s arrest go beyond the case of one individual and touch on broader constitutional issues, including access to justice, advocate-client confidentiality, the right to a fair hearing, and protection against the arbitrary exercise of state power.
Lukwago, a Senior Advocate, former Lord Mayor of Kampala, President of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), and member of both the Uganda Law Society and EALS, was reportedly arrested on June 15 and later produced before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Makindye on June 17. He has since been charged with misprision of treason, allegations he strongly denies. He remains on remand as legal proceedings continue, including consideration of his bail application.
EALS emphasized that every accused person is entitled to the presumption of innocence, prompt access to legal representation, humane treatment, and a fair hearing before an independent and impartial court. The regional lawyers’ body stressed that the legitimacy of criminal proceedings depends not only on the seriousness of the allegations but also on strict adherence to constitutional guarantees and due process.
The organization also voiced concern over reports regarding the circumstances of Lukwago’s detention before he was presented in court. It called for any allegations of unlawful detention, enforced disappearance, torture, or cruel and degrading treatment to be investigated through a prompt, transparent, and independent process.
A major concern highlighted by EALS is the apparent connection between the charges against Lukwago and his work as a legal practitioner. According to the society, the allegations appear linked to matters arising from his representation of clients in the course of his professional duties. It warned that targeting lawyers for carrying out lawful legal representation could undermine the independence of the legal profession and weaken public confidence in the justice system.
The statement further noted that advocate-client confidentiality is a cornerstone of justice and should not be compromised. EALS argued that legal professional privilege is not merely a benefit enjoyed by lawyers but a fundamental right that protects clients and guarantees access to fair legal representation.
The regional body urged the Government of Uganda and relevant authorities to respect Lukwago’s constitutional rights, ensure a fair and timely determination of his bail application, allow unrestricted access to his lawyers, family members, and medical care, and conduct a credible investigation into the circumstances of his arrest and detention.
EALS also called on authorities to safeguard the independence of the legal profession and avoid actions that could undermine confidence in the impartial administration of justice. The organization warned that when lawyers face intimidation or sanctions because of the clients they represent, the consequences extend beyond individual advocates and threaten the broader justice system.
In a show of solidarity, EALS reaffirmed its support for the Uganda Law Society and the legal profession in Uganda. The organization pledged to continue monitoring the case closely and to use available national, regional, continental, and international mechanisms to defend constitutionalism, judicial independence, fundamental rights, and the rule of law.
The statement was signed by Ramadhan Abubakar, President of the East Africa Law Society, who said the true test of democracy lies not in how governments treat those they agree with, but in how they protect the rights of those with whom they disagree.
