The East Africa Law Society (EALS) has joined the chorus of human rights bodies to condemn the abduction of former Kampala Lord Mayor and lawyer Erias Lukwago.
In a statement issued from Arusha, Tanzania, on Monday, the regional lawyers’ body expressed “grave concern” over the reported abduction and detention of Lukwago, a senior advocate and member of both the Uganda Law Society (ULS) and the East Africa Law Society.
The intervention marks the first major regional response to a detention that has already triggered a 24-hour ultimatum from the Uganda Law Society and plans for a nationwide lawyers’ strike later this month.
“EALS expresses grave concern over the reported forcible removal and apparent detention of Hon. Erias Lukwago by military personnel,” the statement signed by EALS President Ramadhan Abubakar said
The regional body said Lukwago’s detention represents an escalation of concerns it had previously raised about the independence of the legal profession, fair trial rights and constitutional governance in Uganda.
Lukwago, who serves as acting president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), was seized from his Wakaliga residence on Monday by armed men in military uniform.
By Tuesday morning, authorities had yet to publicly disclose where Lukwago was being held or the legal basis for his detention, while concerns continued to grow over his health and welfare following the circulation of images showing him in custody.
Lukwago’s abduction sparked outrage after the powerful First Son and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba posted a series of social media messages appearing to know his whereabouts .
He later shared photographs and videos purportedly showing Lukwago in custody, including images in which the opposition lawyer appeared blindfolded and sitting in a bathroom- like room
The East Africa Law Society said it stood in solidarity with the Uganda Law Society’s condemnation of the arrest and shared concerns about intimidation, harassment and interference with lawyers carrying out their professional duties.
The body noted that Lukwago is lead counsel for opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale in ongoing legal proceedings before the High Court.
The arrest comes days after the High Court in Kampala ordered Gen Muhoozi and other respondents to file a defence in a human rights enforcement suit filed by Besigye and Lutale. The petition challenges alleged threats made by the CDF against Besigye and the circumstances surrounding Besigye’s arrest in Nairobi and subsequent transfer to Uganda in 2024.
Lukwago’s whereabouts
In its statement, EALS called on Ugandan authorities to immediately disclose Lukwago’s whereabouts and legal status, release him if he is being held without lawful basis, and guarantee unrestricted access to lawyers, family members and medical care.
“If he is in the custody of any State agency, his detention must be immediately brought within the confines of the Constitution and the law,” the statement said.
The regional lawyers’ body further warned that targeting advocates for carrying out their professional duties constitutes a direct assault on the administration of justice and the rule of law.
“It is a settled principle of constitutional democracy that advocates shall not be targeted, intimidated, or subjected to reprisals for the discharge of their professional duties,” EALS said.
“The independence of the legal profession is a constitutional guarantee that protects society against the arbitrary exercise of public power.”
The growing involvement of regional legal bodies signals that the detention of one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition lawyers is increasingly being viewed not only as a political controversy but also as a test of judicial independence, due process and the rule of law within the East African Community.
EALS also warned that it would pursue “all available regional, continental and international mechanisms” to ensure accountability and protect the independence of the legal profession.
The intervention significantly raises the stakes for Ugandan authorities, transforming what began as a domestic dispute into a matter attracting regional scrutiny.
The statement comes after the Uganda Law Society announced a nationwide lawyers’ strike scheduled for June 26, World Anti-Torture Day, and warned of domestic and international legal action if Lukwago is not released.