Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly condemned what it describes as unconstitutional threats and intimidation directed at lawyer Caleb Alaka over his legal representation of Rt. Hon. Anita Among in matters reportedly linked to corruption investigations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 19, the ULS warned that recent social media remarks allegedly made by senior army officers against lawyers representing individuals accused of corruption pose a grave threat to the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law in Uganda.
The Society expressed concern over warnings that private lawyers defending corruption suspects would “face consequences,” alongside public pronouncements regarding the auction of a Rolls-Royce vehicle allegedly linked to ongoing investigations. According to the ULS, such remarks are unconstitutional and undermine the right to legal representation guaranteed under the Constitution.
Citing Section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act, the Society emphasized its legal mandate to protect advocates from intimidation and interference while carrying out their professional duties. The body reiterated concerns it first raised during the opening of the New Law Year on February 5, 2026, when it warned against the increasing militarisation of civilian affairs and its impact on justice and legal practice.
The ULS argued that lawyers must be allowed to perform their duties freely without fear of harassment, warning that intimidation of legal practitioners threatens access to justice and weakens public confidence in the legal system.
The Society referenced the case of advocate Kakuru Tumusiime, who it said was arrested and assaulted while attempting to access clients at the home of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. ULS described the incident as an example of growing harassment against lawyers carrying out legitimate legal work.
The lawyers’ body also urged the Judiciary to expedite pending legal cases involving the Chief of Defence Forces in his personal capacity, saying justice must be seen to prevail without fear or favour.
Quoting Article 28(3)(d) of the Constitution, the ULS stressed that every Ugandan has an absolute right to legal representation of their choice regardless of public opinion or allegations against them. The Society emphasized that lawyers do not become criminally liable simply by representing clients.
Vice President of the ULS, Asiimwe Anthony, reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to defending advocates and constitutional freedoms, while calling on lawyers across the country to remain steadfast in upholding justice despite growing pressure and intimidation.
The ULS further renewed its invitation to military leaders to engage in dialogue during the upcoming Radical New Bar Live session at ULS House, urging direct engagement rather than public exchanges through social media.
