The decision, announced by the ULS Executive Council, comes amid mounting concern within Uganda’s legal fraternity following reports that Lukwago was forcibly taken from his home by security personnel on June 15.
The lawyers’ body says the circumstances surrounding his disappearance raise serious questions about the safety of advocates involved in politically sensitive cases.
The Bar-Bench meeting, scheduled to take place at the Supreme Court Building in Kampala, was intended to bring together representatives of the Judiciary and legal practitioners to discuss issues affecting the administration of justice.
The Bar-Bench meeting, scheduled to take place at the Supreme Court Building in Kampala, was intended to bring together representatives of the Judiciary and legal practitioners to discuss issues affecting the administration of justice.
However, ULS leaders said they could not participate while one of their members remained allegedly detained and his whereabouts uncertain.
Speaking on behalf of the society, ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe said the organization’s immediate priority was to establish Lukwago’s location and secure his release.
Speaking on behalf of the society, ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe said the organization’s immediate priority was to establish Lukwago’s location and secure his release.
He noted that the Executive Council had devoted its efforts to coordinating legal interventions and engaging relevant authorities over the matter.
Lukwago currently serves as lead counsel in the high-profile treason case involving opposition figure Dr. Kiiza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale.
Lukwago currently serves as lead counsel in the high-profile treason case involving opposition figure Dr. Kiiza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale.
His reported arrest has heightened fears among lawyers and human rights advocates who argue that legal practitioners should be able to carry out their duties without intimidation or interference.
The ULS also criticized what it termed the Judiciary’s silence regarding the incident. According to the society, judicial leaders have a constitutional obligation to protect officers of the court and safeguard the integrity of legal proceedings. The organization argued that failure to publicly address the matter risks undermining confidence in the justice system.
The society has called upon the Chief Justice and the Attorney General to intervene urgently and ensure that the concerns raised are addressed.
The ULS also criticized what it termed the Judiciary’s silence regarding the incident. According to the society, judicial leaders have a constitutional obligation to protect officers of the court and safeguard the integrity of legal proceedings. The organization argued that failure to publicly address the matter risks undermining confidence in the justice system.
The society has called upon the Chief Justice and the Attorney General to intervene urgently and ensure that the concerns raised are addressed.
Despite its boycott, ULS reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and expressed willingness to resume constructive engagement once adequate assurances are provided regarding the safety and independence of legal practitioners.
