A prominent Ugandan lawyer, trained in Britain, has been charged with treason in Kampala, marking an escalation in the government's pressure on legal professionals perceived as opposition allies. The charge, filed on Thursday at the Chief Magistrates Court, alleges that the lawyer, whose name has not been released for security reasons, conspired to overthrow the government. The case is the latest in a series of actions targeting British-trained jurists, raising concerns about judicial independence in the East African nation.
The lawyer was arrested on Wednesday evening in a residential area of Kampala following a week of surveillance. According to court documents, the prosecution claims he used encrypted communications to coordinate with exiled political figures. The accused, who has not yet entered a plea, is being held at Kitalya Prison pending a bail hearing scheduled for next week. His family has reported that he was denied access to private legal counsel for 24 hours after his arrest, a violation of Uganda's constitutional guarantees.
This case fits a pattern. Over the past six months, at least four British-educated lawyers have been detained or charged with offences ranging from sedition to terrorism. In July, Kampala-based barrister Nicholas Opiyo, a Rhodes scholar, was charged with money laundering after his firm represented opposition leader Bobi Wine. The government has also revoked the licences of three law firms with UK connections, citing non-compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
The crackdown comes amid a broader government offensive against civil society and opposition figures ahead of the 2026 presidential election. President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, has faced growing international criticism over human rights abuses. In a statement to the BBC on Thursday, a government spokesperson defended the actions, saying: "We are simply enforcing the law. Anyone who conspires against the state, regardless of their training, will face justice."
However, legal experts argue that the charges are politically motivated. "The Ugandan judiciary is being weaponised against legal professionals who exercise their duty to defend clients," said Dr. Sarah Bireete, a professor of constitutional law at Makerere University. "The targeting of British-trained lawyers sends a chilling message to the entire legal community."
The British High Commission in Kampala has expressed concern but stopped short of condemnation. A spokesperson said: "We are monitoring the case closely. We urge the Ugandan authorities to adhere to due process and the rule of law." The UK has provided significant aid and training to Uganda's judiciary over the past decade, including programmes on judicial ethics.
The case also threatens to strain diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom, which has taken an increasingly critical stance on Museveni's government. In April, the UK imposed sanctions on three Ugandan officials for their role in the 2021 election violence. The current case may prompt further action.
For the accused lawyer, the immediate concern is his safety. His colleagues have reported threats against his life, and there are fears that he may not receive a fair trial. The Uganda Law Society has called for his release, describing the charges as an abuse of legal process. The international community will be watching closely as the proceedings unfold.
