The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned the forceful eviction of M/s Muwema & Co. Advocates from their offices in Kololo, Kampala, carried out by agents of Downtown Investments Ltd with the backing of the Uganda Police Force on March 6, 2026.
The incident has raised serious concerns over the rule of law and the protection of lawyers’ rights in Uganda.
“ULS is disturbed by the viral video showing the unceremonious eviction, which was maliciously carried out in breach of established legal procedures,” said Anthony Asiimwe, Vice-President of ULS, during a press conference at ULS House.
“This incident is a blatant disregard for due process and the Government of Uganda’s obligations under international law.”
Asiimwe explained that the eviction occurred without a court-issued warrant of execution or eviction, despite a High Court judgment in favor of Downtown Investments Ltd delivered on February 20, 2026. M/s Muwema & Co. Advocates had filed and served a Notice of Appeal, asserting their constitutional and statutory right to challenge the High Court’s decision.
“The police’s enforcement of a warrantless eviction of a law firm is a blatant disregard for due process and the Government of Uganda’s obligations under the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers (1990) and the IBA Standards for the Independence of the Legal Profession (1990),” Asiimwe said.
The ULS emphasized that law firms manage sensitive client data and property, including title deeds, wills, and exhibits, which are legally protected.
Any disputes between advocates and landlords or creditors must safeguard clients’ interests. Observers note that special rules governing advocates’ landlord-tenant relationships may have been breached, judging by footage of the eviction.
Asiimwe also raised concerns over the handling of client documents, questioning the police’s accountability. “What if clients come and demand their documents? What will Muwema answer? Where’s the custody for these documents after the eviction? We need all these answers, who’s liable?” he said.
The ULS is calling on Downtown Investments Ltd and the Inspector General of Police to reverse the eviction, issue an apology to M/s Muwema & Co. Advocates, and respect the pending appellate process.
“Downtown Investments was not given carte blanche to evict M/s Muwema & Co. Advocates and compromise clients’ interests,” Asiimwe emphasized.
The society is also seeking clarification from the police, including the identity of the commanding officer responsible and the measures being taken to protect lawyers’ offices.
Section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act mandates the organization to represent, protect, and assist members of the legal profession regarding conditions of practice and related matters.
The eviction has sparked widespread concern over the safety and security of lawyers in Uganda. The ULS has vowed to take all necessary steps to protect the rights of lawyers and uphold the integrity of the legal profession.
