The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has expressed solidarity with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) following the brutal killings of two Kenyan advocates, Edward Muthee Kariuki and Esther Wairimu Keige, whose deaths have sparked outrage among members of the legal profession across East Africa.
In a letter dated July 9, 2026, ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde, SC, conveyed condolences to his Kenyan counterpart, Hon. Charles Kanjama, SC, saying Ugandan lawyers stand with the Kenyan legal fraternity during what he described as a painful and troubling moment.
Ssemakadde acknowledged an invitation from the Law Society of Kenya to participate in the nationwide Advocates’ March for Justice scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, where lawyers are expected to march in formal attire while wearing purple ribbons in honour of the victims.
However, he said he would not be able to personally attend the march due to what he described as ongoing persecution and serious security threats against him. Despite his absence, he assured Kenyan lawyers that the Uganda Law Society remains fully committed to standing with them.
The ULS President warned that attacks targeting lawyers are becoming a serious threat to the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law in the region.
He referred to an earlier ULS advisory titled “No One Is Safe,” issued on June 28, 2026, which highlighted concerns over threats against lawyers in Uganda. He cited the alleged targeting of lawyers Hon. Miria Matembe, Eunice Musiime, and Dr. Sarah Bireete, as well as the continued detention of veteran constitutional lawyer Erias Lukwago, who is reportedly seeking specialised medical treatment abroad.
Ssemakadde also raised concerns about the denial of entry into Uganda of Kenyan senior counsel Martha Karua, who had been part of the defence team representing opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye.
According to the ULS President, these incidents reflect a wider regional challenge involving intimidation, harassment, and attacks against legal practitioners who defend human rights and constitutional freedoms.
He linked the current concerns to previous cases, including the killing of Kenyan lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu and the deportation of Ugandan lawyer Martin Mavenjina from Kenya in 2025, arguing that such incidents show a worrying pattern affecting lawyers across East Africa.
“The chilling pattern of abductions, intimidation, deportations, political persecution and militarization targeting lawyers on both sides of the border constitutes a grave regional assault on the rule of law,” Ssemakadde said.
He called for immediate, independent, and credible investigations into the killings of the Kenyan advocates and urged authorities to ensure the safety and protection of all lawyers.
The ULS said the protection of lawyers is essential for defending justice, human rights, and democratic values, adding that attacks on advocates ultimately weaken public confidence in the justice system.
“Your fight is our fight. United, we shall defend the independence of the Bar and the sanctity of justice across East Africa,” Ssemakadde said..
