The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has protested the charging of senior lawyer Erias Lukwago with misprision of treason, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the charges.
The Law Society also accused the state of using criminal justice institutions to intimidate advocates.
ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde said in a statement on Wedneday that the charges against Lukwago, who is the lead defence counsel for opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide Hajji Obeid Lutale, represent a threat to the independence of lawyers and the rule of law.
In a complaint to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ssemakadde said Lukwago’s prosecution appeared linked to his professional duties as a lawyer.
“This is not simply a case against Advocate Erias Lukwago. An attack on one advocate is an attack on the entire Bar and an assault on the independence of the legal profession,” Ssemakadde said.
Lukwago was charged with misprision of treason before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and remanded to Luzira Prison until June 22, when his case will return to court.
The offence of misprision of treason involves allegations that a person knew about plans or actions amounting to treason but failed to report them to authorities.
However, Ssemakadde dismissed the charges as politically motivated, arguing that Lukwago’s actions were connected to his work as defence counsel.
“Serving court documents, representing a client, and performing the duties of an advocate cannot amount to treason. Lawyers must be allowed to do their work without intimidation or fear,” he said.
The ULS president accused the DPP of failing to uphold prosecutorial independence, saying criminal justice should not be used to punish individuals for carrying out lawful professional duties.
“The prosecution of Advocate Lukwago raises serious questions about the abuse of prosecutorial discretion. The DPP must act independently, fairly, and without political influence,” Ssemakadde said.
The lawyers also raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s arrest, claiming he was taken from his home by security personnel before being detained and later charged.
According to ULS, Lukwago’s arrest was linked to his attempt to serve court documents on Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba in relation to proceedings involving his client, Dr. Besigye.
Ssemakadde said the legal profession would challenge the charges through court and other lawful means.
“We shall vigorously oppose these charges through all available legal and constitutional avenues because they represent an abuse of process and an attack on fair trial rights,” he said.
The ULS has also announced plans to hold daily demonstrations outside the DPP’s offices until the charges against Lukwago are withdrawn.
“The legal profession cannot stand by as advocates are targeted for representing clients. We shall use every lawful means available to defend the independence of the Bar,” Ssemakadde said.
The DPP’s office had not responded to the complaint by the time of publication.
Lukwago’s case has intensified debate over the relationship between security agencies, political cases, and the independence of Uganda’s justice system, with rights groups and opposition actors raising concerns over alleged arbitrary arrests and restrictions on political freedoms.
