By Ben Musanje
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has voiced concern over the arrest, detention and prosecution of Ugandan lawyer, opposition politician and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, warning that the case raises fundamental questions about the independence of the legal profession and the administration of justice in East Africa.
The statement signed by LSK President Charles Kanjama came as the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday remanded Lukwago to Luzira Prison until Monday after the State sought more time to verify medical evidence submitted in support of his bail application.
Lukwago, who is the acting president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and a member of Dr. Kizza Besigye’s legal team, was on Wednesday June 17,2026 charged with misprision of treason.
Prosecutors alleged that between 2021 and November 2024, Lukwago knew that Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajj Obeid Lutale, Joel Wakaima, Frank Atukunda and others were planning to commit treason in Uganda and Kenya but failed to report the alleged plans to authorities or take steps to prevent the offence.
Appearing before Makindye Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera, Lukwago challenged the charge, arguing that the allegations stem from information he received from clients while acting in his professional capacity as an advocate.
His defence team, led by former Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Sseggona, maintains that the prosecution effectively criminalizes lawyer-client communication and threatens legal privilege, a principle widely regarded as central to the administration of justice.
The State did not immediately oppose bail but requested additional time to verify medical documents presented by the defence concerning Lukwago’s health condition.
Chief Magistrate Basemera directed prosecutors to file and serve their submissions by Friday, while the defence was ordered to respond by Saturday ahead of a scheduled court appearance on Monday.
In her ruling, Basemera granted the State two days to verify the medical evidence and file its response before ordering Lukwago’s continued detention. She further directed that he remains on remand until Monday when the matter returns to court.
Recognizing concerns surrounding Lukwago’s health, the court directed prison authorities to take his medical condition into consideration while he remains on remand. The magistrate also instructed his family to coordinate with prison officials regarding the delivery of an orthopedic mattress reportedly required for his condition.
Outside court, Ssegona painted a grim picture of his client’s treatment while in detention, alleging that Lukwago’s health had significantly deteriorated during nearly two days in custody.
According to Ssegona, Lukwago was forced to undertake strenuous physical drills despite his frail health and allegedly collapsed during the exercises. He further alleged that his client was subjected to physical and psychological torture and was forced to sleep on bare ground before being transferred between detention facilities and eventually presented in court.
The allegations have not yet been publicly addressed by the authorities.
The developments have attracted attention beyond Uganda’s borders, prompting a rare intervention from the Kenyan legal fraternity.
In a statement issued to members of the Law Society of Kenya, President Charles Kanjama said the detention of Lukwago was not merely about one advocate but raised broader concerns about whether lawyers across East Africa could discharge their professional responsibilities without fear of arrest, intimidation or pressure arising from the cases they handle.
Kanjama argued that the matter touched on the core principles of legal practice and the ability of advocates to represent clients fearlessly, particularly in politically sensitive cases or matters that attract significant public attention.
The Kenyan lawyers’ body noted that the proceedings involving Besigye and Lutale have drawn regional attention and involve legal practitioners from across East Africa, including Senior Counsel Martha Karua of Kenya, one of the region’s most prominent advocates.
The society stated that any development affecting members of the defence team was a matter of legitimate concern to the Kenyan Bar and the wider legal profession in the region.
The Law Society of Kenya further reaffirmed its longstanding partnership with the Uganda Law Society in defending constitutionalism, judicial independence, access to justice and the rule of law within the East African Community.
The organization pledged solidarity with Ugandan lawyers and said it would continue engaging regional bar associations and other stakeholders as the matter unfolds.
Kanjama indicated that the society would continue monitoring the situation closely while remaining committed to defending the independence of the legal profession, the right to legal representation and the rule of law. He further observed that the treatment of advocates in the discharge of their professional duties serves as an important measure of the health of any constitutional democracy.
Lukwago’s arrest comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding the prosecution of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and an ongoing legal dispute involving the opposition figure and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
With his bail application still pending, attention now turns to Monday’s court session when the magistrate is expected to consider submissions from both sides and determine whether Lukwago will be granted temporary release or remain on remand as investigations continue.
The outcome is likely to be closely watched not only by Uganda’s legal community but also by regional bar associations concerned about the implications of the case for legal representation, lawyer-client privilege and the independence of the legal profession in East Africa.
