Kampala, Uganda – A prominent defence lawyer, known for representing high-profile clients accused of treason, has been charged with a fresh set of offences, raising fresh questions about the integrity of Uganda’s judicial system. The lawyer, Erias Lukwago, was arrested on Monday and charged with subversion and incitement to violence, just weeks after his previous treason charges were dropped due to lack of evidence.
The case has drawn international scrutiny, with human rights groups warning that it signals a broader erosion of democratic norms in East Africa. Lukwago is a former Lord Mayor of Kampala and a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing rule. His latest arrest coincides with a government crackdown on opposition figures and civil society ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Legal analysts argue that the repeated charges against Lukwago represent a strategic use of the judiciary to stifle dissent. Dr. Grace Okello, a constitutional law expert at Makerere University, described the pattern as “judicial harassment”. “When charges are filed and then dropped, only to be replaced by new ones, it suggests a co-ordinated effort to keep a political opponent occupied with legal battles rather than activism,” she said.
The Ugandan government has denied any political motivation. Police spokesperson Fred Enanga stated that the new charges are based on evidence gathered during recent protests. He said the lawyer’s statements at a rally in June amounted to a call for insurrection. Lukwago’s legal team has dismissed the charges as baseless and has applied for bail.
The case has implications beyond Uganda’s borders. The African Union’s commitment to democratic governance and the rule of law is facing a litmus test. In recent years, several African nations have seen a trend of weakening judicial independence, with executives expanding their powers at the expense of courts.
International observers note that the prosecution of lawyers and journalists is often a bellwether for broader democratic backsliding. The Committee to Protect Journalists has recorded at least 12 cases of legal harassment against media professionals in Uganda in the past 18 months. Lukwago’s case mirrors that of opposition figure Bobi Wine, who has faced numerous charges and repeated state surveillance.
The timing of the arrest is significant. Uganda is currently hosting a summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, a platform meant to address regional stability. Critics argue that the crackdown undermines the country’s credibility as a mediator.
In a statement released late Tuesday, the British High Commission in Kampala expressed concern, urging the Ugandan government to uphold the rule of law and due process. The United States ambassador also called for a fair trial, noting that the case would be closely monitored.
For now, Lukwago remains in custody at Kitalya Prison, awaiting a hearing scheduled for next week. His legal team is preparing to challenge the charges on constitutional grounds, arguing that the law under which he is charged is vague and used selectively against government critics.
As the case unfolds, it will serve as a key indicator of the health of Uganda’s democracy and, by extension, the state of the rule of law in Africa. The international community will be watching closely.
