ULS warns against intimidation of lawyers as Caleb Alaka faces online backlash over Anita Among defence

The Uganda Law Society (Uganda Law Society) has raised concern over what it calls growing intimidation of legal practitioners, following criticism directed at city lawyer Caleb Alaka for representing the outgoing Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among in connection with ongoing corruption investigations.

In a statement released by Vice President Asiimwe Anthony, the professional body said it strongly rejects “public and extrajudicial attacks” targeting advocates based on the identities of their clients, warning that such conduct undermines the rule of law.

The Law Society noted that the right to legal representation is guaranteed under Uganda’s legal framework and applies to all persons regardless of public perception or the seriousness of allegations they face.

The statement follows heated online debate triggered by remarks allegedly attributed to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is reported to have warned that lawyers representing individuals implicated in corruption cases could face unspecified consequences.

According to the Law Society, such statements risk creating fear within the legal profession and may discourage advocates from taking up sensitive or politically exposed cases.

It further stressed that any concerns about professional misconduct must be addressed through formal legal and disciplinary channels, not through social media pressure or public threats.

The controversy has intensified discussion within Uganda’s legal and political circles about the boundaries of public commentary during ongoing investigations, particularly those involving senior government officials.

As of press time, there had been no official response from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces regarding the reported remarks.