Uganda, Kenya Law Societies Denounce Treason Charge Against Lawyer Erias Lukwago

Both the Uganda Law Society (ULS) and its Kenyan counterpart, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), have voiced strong opposition to the recent charging of prominent lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago with misprision of treason. The legal bodies characterized the prosecution as a direct assault on the legal profession and the fundamental principles of justice administration.

In separate statements, the ULS and LSK raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings. They warned that such actions could create a chilling effect, discouraging lawyers from undertaking representation in politically sensitive cases, a cornerstone of a functioning justice system.

Lukwago, a key defense lawyer for opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and others in an ongoing treason trial, was charged and remanded to prison. His arrest followed an apprehension from his home by individuals in military attire.

The ULS, through its president Isaac Ssemakadde, formally protested the decision to prosecute Lukwago. Ssemakadde argued that Lukwago’s professional duties, such as serving court documents or vigorously defending clients, cannot reasonably constitute grounds for treason-related charges. He described the situation as “classic lawfare,” where legal institutions are weaponized to target political opponents’ legal teams.

The ULS emphasized that prosecuting advocates for performing their professional duties jeopardizes the independence of the legal profession and erodes public trust in the judiciary. The society demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all charges against Lukwago.

Echoing these sentiments, the LSK highlighted that the case extends beyond Lukwago himself, impacting the broader ability of lawyers across East Africa to represent clients without fear of intimidation. LSK President Charles Kanjama stressed the necessity for advocates to operate fearlessly, especially in politically charged matters.

The LSK noted its particular concern given the regional attention on the treason proceedings involving Dr. Besigye, which includes legal practitioners from across East Africa, such as Kenya’s Senior Counsel Martha Karua. Any development affecting members of such a legal team is therefore of significant regional legal concern.

Prosecutors allege that Lukwago possessed information about co-accused individuals intending to commit treason between 2021 and November 2024 and failed to report it to the authorities. His arrest occurred as he was reportedly preparing to serve court documents on Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba in a related matter concerning alleged death threats against Dr. Besigye.