Uganda Law Society Condemns Treason-Related Charges Against Erias Lukwago

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly condemned the decision to charge senior advocate and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago with misprision of treason, describing the prosecution as politically motivated and a misuse of the country’s criminal justice system.

In a statement issued by ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde under Section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act, the legal body expressed its “strongest protest, condemnation and complaint” against the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for pursuing charges against Lukwago.

According to the ULS, the charges stem from Lukwago’s role as lead counsel for opposition figure Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale in an ongoing treason case. The Society argues that prosecuting a lawyer for actions connected to legal representation undermines the independence of the legal profession and threatens constitutional guarantees.

The legal body said confirmation of the charges was provided by Lukwago’s law partner, Advocate Medard Lubega Sseggona, and maintained that the case amounts to unconstitutional political persecution prohibited under Article 43(2)(a) of Uganda’s Constitution.

ULS further accused the DPP of failing to exercise prosecutorial powers impartially, as required under Articles 120(5) and 120(6) of the Constitution, which mandate independence from political influence.

Allegations of Abduction and Intimidation

The Society also raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s arrest, alleging that he was abducted from his home by operatives of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces while attempting to serve court documents in the Besigye matter.

According to ULS, public statements by senior military officials and the response of government institutions suggest that the case is intended to intimidate legal counsel involved in politically sensitive litigation.

“This is classic lawfare — the weaponization of criminal justice institutions to harass, cripple and neutralize the defence team of political opponents,” the Society stated.

The lawyers’ body argued that serving court documents or representing clients in controversial political cases cannot legally constitute treason or related offences.

ULS Threatens Daily Protests

Warning that an attack on one lawyer is an attack on the entire legal profession, the ULS demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all charges against Lukwago.

The Society also called for full disclosure regarding his treatment while in detention and urged prosecutors to refrain from using criminal proceedings to advance partisan political interests.

Ssemakadde said the ULS had repeatedly warned authorities about what it views as growing abuse of prosecutorial discretion.

“Our criminal justice system is now a police-to-prison pipeline for dissenters,” the statement said.

The Society announced plans to challenge the charges through constitutional and procedural applications in court and warned that members of the legal profession, together with pro-democracy groups, would begin daily pickets at the DPP’s offices until the charges are withdrawn.

Lukwago Charged With Misprision of Treason

Lukwago was on Wednesday arraigned before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court and formally charged with misprision of treason following his reported arrest from his residence in Wakaliga.

Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and 2024, in both Kenya and Kampala, Lukwago failed to report information regarding an alleged treason plot involving several individuals named by the state.

The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera, heard that misprision of treason refers to the failure of a person with knowledge of treasonous activities to inform authorities.

Lukwago denied the allegations and argued that the individuals referenced by prosecutors were his clients, insisting that he had committed no offence.

The prosecution informed the court that investigations remain ongoing and requested additional time to conclude inquiries.

Bail Application Highlights Health Concerns

Lukwago’s legal team immediately applied for bail, citing his fixed place of residence in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, and his longstanding professional career as a practicing advocate.

The defence also raised concerns about his health, stating that he suffers from chronic gastritis requiring continuous medical supervision, a history of cervical spine surgery involving a metal implant, respiratory complications, and hypertension.

According to court submissions, Lukwago requires specialized medical attention and regular monitoring, with some of his previous treatment reportedly undertaken in India and Nairobi.

His lawyers further argued that his health condition had deteriorated following his arrest and detention.

The court is expected to rule on Lukwago’s bail application on June 22, 2026, as investigations into the case continue.