A prominent Ugandan lawyer has been charged with treason in a case that British legal observers say marks an escalation in the government’s campaign against the opposition. The lawyer, who has represented high-profile defendants in politically sensitive cases, was arrested on Tuesday and appeared before a military court in Kampala. The charges relate to allegations of communicating with foreign actors to destabilise the state.
The development has drawn sharp criticism from the United Kingdom, whose legal observers described the proceedings as a show trial. In a joint statement, the UK Law Society and Bar Council said that the arrest “undermines the rule of law and signals a dangerous narrowing of space for legal professionals in Uganda.” The statement called for the lawyer’s immediate release and an end to what it termed “judicial harassment.”
The case is the latest in a series of actions against members of the legal profession in Uganda. Over the past year, several lawyers have faced charges ranging from terrorism to sedition, often in connection with their work defending opposition figures. The government denies any political motivation, insisting that the prosecutions are based on evidence.
International observers have noted with concern the use of military courts to try civilians. The lawyer’s family has expressed fears for his safety, citing reports of mistreatment in detention. The British High Commission in Kampala said it was following the case closely and had raised its concerns with Ugandan authorities.
The charges carry a potential sentence of death. Legal analysts in London suggest that the UK may consider targeted sanctions against Ugandan officials if the case proceeds in a manner that fails to meet international standards. The Foreign Office has not yet commented on specific measures.
This incident threatens to strain bilateral relations between the UK and Uganda, a key partner in regional security. The two nations have cooperated on counter-terrorism and trade, but democratic backsliding in Kampala has become a mounting source of tension. For now, the lawyer remains in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for next week.
