Lawyers' Body Demands Unconditional Release of Erias Lukwago After Abduction

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has issued a stern demand for the immediate and unconditional release of prominent lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago. Lukwago was reportedly abducted from his home by armed individuals on Monday morning.

According to Babu Ssali, the Acting Secretary General of the ULS, the incident is viewed as a direct assault on the legal profession and the fundamental principles of the rule of law. The ULS has set a 24-hour ultimatum for Lukwago’s release, threatening legal action both domestically and internationally if their demands are not met.

Lukwago was allegedly taken by unknown armed men in two white vehicles shortly after he raised an alarm about a security presence at his residence on social media. The ULS is also calling for full disclosure of his whereabouts and immediate access for his family and ULS representatives.

Furthermore, the ULS has urged the Chief Justice and the Attorney General to intervene and guarantee the security of all legal practitioners, judges, and litigants, citing Article 128.1 of the Constitution. The society indicated it is considering escalating the matter to international legal bodies, including the International Criminal Court, if such alleged violations continue.

Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, who is part of the legal team for Dr. Kizza Besigye, also expressed concern, linking Lukwago’s arrest to his efforts to serve court documents on Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba in a human rights case. Karua emphasized that such actions interfere with the administration of justice and violate fundamental rights to a fair hearing and the independence of lawyers.

Reports indicate that Lukwago’s wife stated that security operatives scaled the perimeter wall to enter their compound and apprehended him from his bedroom. His wife also alleged she was assaulted when she tried to intervene. Lukwago had been attempting to serve Gen. Kainerugaba with a human rights lawsuit filed by Besigye, related to alleged death threats.

Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/lawyers-demand-unconditional-release-of-lukwago-5497222