Muslim lawyers association demands due process following arrest of Erias Lukwago

The Uganda Muslim Lawyers Association (UMLAS) has expressed concern over the reported arrest and detention of senior lawyer and opposition politician Erias Lukwago, calling on authorities to uphold constitutional safeguards and the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Monday, UMLAS said it had taken note of reports regarding the arrest of Lukwago, a Senior Counsel, President of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), and one of Uganda’s leading legal practitioners.

The association urged state authorities to ensure that any actions taken against Lukwago are conducted in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Uganda.
“As an association committed to the promotion of justice, constitutionalism and the rule of law, UMLAS calls upon all relevant authorities to ensure that any actions taken against any citizen, including advocates, are conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Uganda,” the statement reads.

UMLAS emphasized the critical role lawyers play in the administration of justice and stressed the importance of protecting the independence of the legal profession.
“The independence of lawyers and their ability to discharge their professional duties without fear, intimidation, harassment or undue interference are essential pillars of a democratic society governed by the rule of law,” the association said.

The lawyers’ body called on authorities to provide timely information regarding Lukwago’s whereabouts, legal status and the basis for his detention. It further urged officials to ensure that constitutional rights relating to liberty, due process, legal representation and fair hearing are fully respected.

The association also raised concerns over reports that Lukwago was arrested during a pre-dawn operation at his residence, where security personnel allegedly entered the premises after scaling or breaching the perimeter fence.

“If accurately reported, such actions raise important questions regarding compliance with constitutional safeguards governing arrest, search, privacy and the inviolability of the home,” UMLAS noted.

The statement cited both constitutional principles and Islamic teachings on the sanctity of private homes, emphasizing that while law enforcement agencies have powers to conduct lawful arrests and searches, such actions must be exercised in a manner that respects due process, necessity and human dignity.

UMLAS additionally expressed concern over comments attributed to the Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on social media platform X.

The association argued that statements made by senior public officials during ongoing or anticipated legal proceedings could be perceived as intimidating and risk undermining public confidence in the administration of justice.

“Public commentary by persons holding high public office carries significant influence and should therefore be exercised with restraint, particularly where legal proceedings are pending or contemplated,” UMLAS said.

The association warned that comments which create perceptions of predetermined outcomes could weaken confidence in judicial independence and the rule of law.

UMLAS further called upon the judiciary, Parliament, the Uganda Law Society, civil society organizations, religious leaders and citizens to remain vigilant in defending constitutionalism, due process and equal protection under the law.

“The protection of lawyers in the lawful discharge of their professional duties is not a privilege accorded to a few; it is an essential safeguard for every citizen who may one day seek justice before our courts,” the statement said.

The association concluded by reaffirming its commitment to promoting peaceful engagement, respect for the law and the protection of rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of Uganda.

The circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s arrest had not yet been officially detailed by security agencies by Monday evening.