Uganda’s legal fraternity has escalated its response to the arrest and detention of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, with the Uganda Law Society (ULS) declaring a nationwide lawyers’ strike on June 26 in what is shaping up to be one of the most significant confrontations between the Bar and the State in recent years.
In a brief but strongly worded statement issued yesterday, ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde announced that Friday, June 26, 2026, which coincides with World Anti-Torture Day, will be observed as a Nationwide Lawyers’ Strike Day.
The announcement came hours after the Law Society gave authorities a 24-hour ultimatum to release Lukwago, the acting president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and lead lawyer for opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale.
Lukwago was seized from his Wakaliga residence by armed men in military uniform yesterday morning before images later emerged showing him in detention.
The strike declaration signals that the legal profession is preparing for a prolonged campaign over what lawyers describe as attacks on the independence of the Bar, the judiciary and the rule of law.
Although the ULS statement announcing the strike did not directly reference Lukwago’s kidnap, the timing leaves little doubt that the action is linked to the unfolding confrontation between lawyers and security agencies.
The decision to stage the strike on World Anti-Torture Day is particularly symbolic given concerns raised by lawyers over statements made by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba following Lukwago’s arrest.
By Chimpreport
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