The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) has condemned the arrest, detention and prosecution of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, describing the actions against him and Kenyan advocate Martha Karua as a serious threat to the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law.
In a statement dated June 26, 2026, the CLA expressed concern over Lukwago's arrest by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) on June 15, noting that he is joint lead counsel representing Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale in an ongoing treason case before the High Court.
The association also criticised the treatment of Karua, who is co-lead counsel in the matter, after she was denied entry into Uganda and held at Entebbe International Airport despite being authorised to practise law in the country.
The CLA said it supports the position taken by the Uganda Law Society (ULS) in its June 15 statement, which stated that the UPDF has "no role whatsoever in intimidating, threatening or arresting members of the Bar for performing their constitutional and professional duties."
The association cited international legal standards requiring governments to protect lawyers from intimidation, harassment and interference while carrying out their professional responsibilities.
It referred to Principle 16 of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, which requires governments to ensure that lawyers can perform their duties "without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference" and are free to travel and consult with their clients.
The CLA also cited the Declaration on Preserving and Strengthening the Independence of the Judiciary and on Ensuring the Independence of the Legal Profession, adopted by Commonwealth Bar leaders during the Commonwealth Law Conference in Goa, India, in March 2023.
The declaration states that lawyers must be allowed to perform their professional duties without threats, intimidation, harassment or improper interference and should not face criminal, civil or administrative sanctions for carrying out their legitimate professional functions.
"The right to legal representation is a cornerstone of the rule of law and a fundamental guarantee of a fair trial," the CLA said.
"The targeting of defence counsel—through arrest, detention or charge—in connection with their representation of a client strikes at the heart of the administration of justice and the independence of the legal profession."
The association further referred to Principle 8 of the International Bar Association Standards for the Independence of the Legal Profession, which states that lawyers should not suffer penalties or harassment because of legitimately advising or representing clients.
The CLA said the actions against Lukwago and Karua represent a violation of internationally recognised principles protecting the independence of lawyers.
It backed the Uganda Law Society's appeal to the Chief Justice to guarantee the safety and security of all advocates, judges and litigants in accordance with Article 128 of the Constitution, which provides for judicial independence.
"The CLA expresses its alarm and concern that the actions of the UPDF undermine well-established international principles regarding the independence of the legal profession, which are fundamental to the rule of law," the statement read.
The association called on Ugandan authorities to ensure that the trial of Besigye and Lutale proceeds without interference with their legal representatives, respect the independence of lawyers, protect advocates carrying out their duties, investigate obstruction of legal work, and uphold Uganda's constitutional and international obligations.
Lukwago was arraigned before the Makindye Chief Magistrate's Court on June 17 and charged with misprision of treason following his arrest at his home in Wakaliga on June 15.
Prosecution alleges that between 2021 and 2024, in Kampala and Kenya, Lukwago failed to report information relating to an alleged treasonous plot involving several individuals identified by the state.
The prosecution told court that misprision of treason involves failure by an individual to disclose knowledge of treason-related activities to relevant authorities.
Lukwago denied the charges, arguing that the individuals referred to by the prosecution were his clients and that any information he possessed was obtained in the course of his professional duties as an advocate.
The state informed court that investigations were ongoing and requested more time.
His lawyers applied for bail, arguing that Lukwago is a practising advocate with a fixed residence in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, where he lives with his family, and that he has no record of absconding.
The defence also informed court that Lukwago suffers from chronic gastritis requiring continued medical attention, prescribed medication, regulated meals and regular monitoring.
However, Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera declined to grant bail, ruling that the medical concerns presented did not automatically warrant release.
The magistrate said the medical issues had to be considered alongside other factors, including ongoing investigations, some of which extend beyond Uganda.
She also noted that Lukwago's position as a senior advocate, former Kampala Lord Mayor and President of the People's Front for Freedom (PFF) could potentially influence investigations.
The court, however, directed the Officer in Charge of Murchison Bay Prison and the Commissioner General of Prisons to facilitate Lukwago's transfer to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a comprehensive medical assessment and any specialised treatment deemed necessary.
