KAMPALA — Kenyan lawyer and opposition leader Martha Karua has called on President Museveni to restore the rule of law in Uganda, warning that recent actions targeting legal practitioners risk undermining judicial independence and access to justice.
Speaking at a gathering organised by the Uganda Law Society in Kampala, Karua said lawyers have a constitutional duty to defend the rule of law, equality before the law, and the independence of the courts.
"We are here to stand up for the rule of law, to stand up for equality under the law, and to stand up for the independence of the courts as provided for by the Constitution and the laws of Uganda and international human rights standards," Karua said.
Her remarks come amid mounting concerns from the legal fraternity following Monday's shocking arrested of senior lawyer Erias Lukwago from her home in Wakaliga by security operatives.
Former Lord Mayor Lukwago has been Karua's partner in defence of Opposition figurehead Kizza Besigye and the two have been preparing to file a case against Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba over the manner in which Besigye was arrested in Kenya nearly two years ago.
Laywers say there have been increasing interference by security agencies in matters that should ordinarily be handled through civilian courts and legal processes.
Karua warned that actions directed at lawyers involved in politically sensitive cases could have a chilling effect on the legal profession and discourage advocates from taking up contentious matters.
"Today's actions are a harbinger of intimidation against counsel in Uganda and, by extension, against other lawyers who appear in such cases," she said.
The veteran Kenyan politician, who has built a regional profile through her advocacy for constitutionalism, democracy and human rights, appealed directly to Museveni, as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, to ensure that state institutions operate within the confines of the law.
"I appeal to President Museveni to restore the rule of law and ensure respect for judicial independence," Karua said.
She also called for the release of individuals she claimed had been arrested contrary to established legal procedures and urged authorities to guarantee fair hearings before independent and impartial courts.
Her comments follow growing criticism from lawyers and civil society organisations regarding the treatment of advocates representing opposition figures and government critics, as well as concerns about the expanding role of military and security agencies in civilian affairs.
Despite the challenges facing the legal profession, Karua expressed confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.
"We assure the public that, despite the happenings of today and the days to come, we shall continue to seek justice, however long it may take," she said.
The Uganda Law Society has in recent weeks intensified its criticism of actions it believes threaten constitutional governance, judicial independence and the administration of justice. The body has vowed to continue defending advocates and promoting adherence to constitutional principles, human rights and the rule of law.
The latest concerns emerge against the backdrop of renewed debate over the relationship between security agencies and civilian institutions, a matter that has repeatedly generated legal and political controversy in Uganda.