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By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Law Society has condemned what it described as growing intimidation of lawyers by military officials, warning that threats against legal practitioners undermine the rule of law and constitutional rights in Uganda.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, the Society criticized recent social media remarks directed at Advocate Caleb Alaka over his legal representation of Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among in matters reportedly linked to corruption investigations.
The Society said comments allegedly made by senior army officers warning that lawyers representing corruption suspects would “face consequences” were unconstitutional and posed a direct threat to the independence of the legal profession.
“The legal profession must never yield to intimidation or threats for defending constitutional rights and upholding access to justice,” the statement read.
Signed by ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony, the statement emphasized that every Ugandan has a constitutional right to legal representation, regardless of the accusations they face or public opinion surrounding their case.
The Society cited Article 28(3)(d) of the 1995 Constitution, which guarantees the right to legal counsel of one’s choice, arguing that lawyers should not be threatened or criminalized for carrying out their professional responsibilities.
The lawyers’ body also referenced international standards protecting advocates, including the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers and the International Bar Association Standards for the Independence of the Legal Profession. According to the ULS, these frameworks require governments and state actors to ensure lawyers can perform their duties free from harassment, intimidation, or improper interference.
The statement comes amid increasing tensions between sections of Uganda’s legal fraternity and the military establishment. The Society recalled concerns it raised earlier this year during the Radical New Bar Live event at ULS House, where lawyers warned about what they termed the “militarization of public affairs.”
At the event, held after lawyers boycotted the official judiciary opening ceremony, participants expressed alarm over growing military influence in civilian matters, including allegations of abductions, internet shutdowns, and interference in judicial processes.
The ULS also pointed to the arrest of Advocate Kakuru Tumusiime as an example of intimidation against lawyers. Tumusiime was reportedly arrested and charged with common nuisance while attempting to access clients at the home of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
In its statement, the Society warned that senior military commanders, including the Chief of Defence Forces, could be held personally liable under both Ugandan and international law for unlawful actions committed by subordinates under their command.
The Asiimwe further called upon the judiciary to expedite pending cases involving the Chief of Defence Forces in his personal capacity, arguing that timely judicial action would reinforce public confidence in the rule of law.
The Society revealed that it has repeatedly sought dialogue with military leadership since January 2025 through requests for bilateral meetings and invitations to public legal forums. However, it said these overtures had gone unanswered.
Despite the tensions, the ULS extended another invitation to army officials to attend the upcoming 15th Radical New Bar Live session at ULS House, urging military leaders to “speak directly, not behind a keypad.”
The statement concluded with a renewed commitment by the Uganda Law Society to defend constitutional freedoms and protect lawyers from intimidation as they carry out their professional duties. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
