KAMPALA – The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) has expressed concern over the arrest of prominent Ugandan lawyer and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, describing the incident as a worrying development for the rule of law and judicial independence in Uganda.
In a statement, the association said the reported involvement of military personnel in Lukwago’s arrest raises serious questions about the treatment of civilian legal practitioners and the broader environment in which lawyers operate.
The CLA warned that such incidents risk undermining constitutional safeguards and could weaken public confidence in Uganda’s justice system if not addressed transparently and in accordance with due process.
The lawyers’ body emphasized that advocates must be able to perform their professional duties without intimidation, harassment, or fear of arbitrary arrest. It further called on Ugandan authorities to ensure that all security agencies operate strictly within the bounds of the law and respect democratic principles.
The statement comes amid growing concern from international legal bodies, human rights organisations, and civil society groups over what they describe as increasing pressure on opposition-linked figures, lawyers, and activists in Uganda.
Mr. Lukwago, a long-serving opposition leader and Kampala Lord Mayor, has in recent years frequently clashed with security agencies over his political activism and his legal representation of government critics.
Authorities have not yet issued a detailed public response to the Commonwealth Lawyers Association’s concerns at the time of publication.