Uganda Law Society Seeks Answers from Police Over Forceful Eviction of Law Firm

By Ben Musanje

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has formally requested clarification from the Uganda Police Force over the forceful eviction of the law firm M/s Muwema & Co. Advocates. The eviction occurred on 6th March 2026 at the firm’s offices located at Plot 50 Windsor Crescent, Kololo, Kampala.

In a letter signed by the Society’s Vice President Anthony Asiimwe addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, ULS raised concerns about the legality and handling of the operation. The society noted that the involvement of the police in the eviction has raised serious questions, particularly because lawyers and members of the public often face challenges in obtaining police clearance for lawful evictions.

ULS is seeking detailed explanations on several key points. First, the society wants to know whether the police authorized or cleared the eviction and who commanded the operation. They also asked if the Directorate of Human Rights and Legal Services of the police provided any opinion on the action, and if so, what that opinion was.

Additionally, Asiimwe requested clarification on whether the police verified the existence of a lawful court warrant for the eviction or attachment of property before the operation.

The society is also concerned about the handling of sensitive and confidential information during the eviction. ULS asked for the names of the officers involved in accessing, removing, or securing client data, documents, electronic records, and other office materials belonging to M/s Muwema & Co. Advocates. The letter seeks information on whether an inventory or activity report exists for these materials, and where they are currently being kept, along with the security arrangements in place to protect them.

Asiimwe emphasized that its mandate under Section 3(e) of the Uganda Law Society Act Cap 305 is to represent, protect, and assist members of the legal profession regarding their conditions of practice and other professional matters. The society noted that the case is of interest not only to its members but also to the wider public, as it raises questions about the proper role of the police in enforcing evictions and protecting property rights.

The society’s letter expressed concern that the eviction may have bypassed standard legal procedures, which could undermine confidence in law enforcement and legal protections. ULS called for transparency and accountability, stressing that lawyers’ offices contain sensitive client information that must be handled with utmost care to preserve confidentiality and the rule of law.

The Uganda Law Society also underlined its commitment to promoting access to justice, good governance, and the rule of law in Uganda. By seeking clarification, the society is ensuring that members of the legal profession are treated fairly and that police actions comply with established legal procedures.

ULS’s communication comes at a time when the legal community and the public are closely observing the practices of law enforcement agencies. The society’s letter makes it clear that any actions affecting lawyers’ offices must be legally justified, properly documented, and executed in a manner that protects clients’ rights and sensitive information.

This request for clarification signals the ULS’s active role in holding law enforcement accountable and ensuring that legal processes are respected in Uganda. It also highlights the importance of transparency when the police are involved in operations that affect private offices, particularly those of legal practitioners. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).