The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has escalated pressure on security agencies after formally petitioning the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) to urgently investigate what it describes as the abduction of senior lawyer Erias Lukwago.
In a strongly worded letter dated June 16, 2026, and addressed to AIGP Tom Magambo, the Director of CID, the legal body says Lukwago is missing after armed officers allegedly raided his home and took him away, demanding that police immediately establish his whereabouts and facilitate his return to his family.The memo, signed by ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony, paints a picture of growing concern within Uganda’s legal fraternity over the safety of advocates carrying out their professional duties.
ULS: LUKWAGO WAS ABDUCTED
The letter leaves little doubt about the Law Society’s position. It states that Advocate Erias Lukwago, described as a senior member of the Uganda Law Society, went missing following what the organization calls an invasion of his Kampala residence by officers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
According to the memo, the officers allegedly abducted Lukwago before individuals later celebrated the operation online, claiming responsibility for his detention and making comments that the Law Society says glorified the harassment of an officer of the court.The organization says the incident has left lawyers across the country deeply alarmed.
URGENT APPEAL TO CID
The Law Society is now demanding swift intervention from Uganda’s top criminal investigators.In its letter, ULS urges CID to deploy “all necessary investigative resources” to determine where Lukwago is being held. The lawyers’ body also wants police to ensure that the senior advocate is safely returned to his home and reunited with his family.
The request places responsibility on the Criminal Investigations Directorate to establish the facts surrounding Lukwago’s disappearance and provide answers to the growing public concern.The memo bears a received stamp from the Criminal Investigations Directorate dated June 16, 2026, indicating that the complaint was officially received by CID.
GROWING FEARS AMONG LAWYERS
Beyond Lukwago’s case, the Uganda Law Society argues that the incident reflects a broader pattern of threats facing members of the legal profession.According to the letter, the Society has previously alerted police about repeated attacks against advocates while carrying out their constitutional and professional responsibilities.
The memo notes that these incidents have become increasingly common, prompting repeated appeals for stronger protection of lawyers.The organization says advocates should be able to represent clients without fear of intimidation, harassment or enforced disappearance.
CALL FOR SPECIAL PROTECTION DESK
One of the most notable requests contained in the memo is the establishment of a dedicated police desk to handle complaints involving lawyers.The Uganda Law Society says it has previously received assurances from police regarding protective interventions.
Building on those assurances, the Society now wants a specialized focal point within the Uganda Police Force where advocates can report incidents involving threats, attacks, harassment, disappearances and other security concerns.According to ULS, such a unit would improve coordination between lawyers and investigators while ensuring that complaints are handled promptly and professionally.
The Society argues that the safety of advocates is essential to the administration of justice and the protection of the rule of law.
PRESSURE MOUNTS ON SECURITY AGENCIES
The letter comes amid mounting public debate over Lukwago’s arrest and detention. His disappearance has generated widespread discussion among lawyers, civil society organizations and members of the public, with many demanding official clarification regarding his whereabouts and legal status.
The Law Society’s intervention significantly raises the stakes by transforming public concern into a formal institutional complaint addressed directly to Uganda’s chief criminal investigators.By asking CID to investigate, ULS is effectively calling for an independent determination of what happened after Lukwago was taken from his residence.
LAWYERS RALLY AROUND COLLEAGUE
As one of Uganda’s most prominent advocates, Lukwago’s disappearance has sent shockwaves through the legal fraternity. ULS describes him as a senior member whose work forms part of the country’s justice system.
The Society argues that any attack on an advocate performing professional duties raises wider concerns about access to justice and the independence of the legal profession.Its latest letter underscores the view that protecting lawyers is not merely about safeguarding individuals but also about preserving public confidence in the justice system.
AWAITING POLICE RESPONSE
At the close of the memo, the Uganda Law Society expresses hope that police will respond swiftly. The organization says it looks forward to “prompt intervention and response” from CID.
Whether investigators will immediately launch the requested inquiries remains to be seen.For now, however, the Law Society has formally placed the matter before Uganda’s premier criminal investigations agency, insisting that every available investigative resource be deployed to locate Lukwago.
The coming days are likely to determine whether CID provides the answers demanded by the country’s legal fraternity.As pressure continues to mount, attention will remain fixed on investigators, who now face growing calls to account for Lukwago’s whereabouts and address the concerns raised in the Uganda Law Society’s extraordinary appeal.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
Latest entries
HealthJuly 26, 2026PARLIAMENT STEPS UP WAR ON MALARIA! Tayebwa leads annual 5km walk, rallies Ugandans to take personal responsibility. Climate change, child deaths and stronger local health capacity dominate renewed call to end the disease
NewsJuly 26, 2026OTUNNU JOINS UN RACE! Why Olara Otunnu Faces an Uphill Battle in His Bid to Become the Next UN Secretary-General. Late Entry, Regional Politics and Security Council Hurdles Complicate Campaign
NewsJuly 26, 2026FROM SECURITY TALKS TO SLAM DUNKS! Muhoozi and Kagame Hold Bilateral Talks Before Friendly Basketball Match in Kigali. Court showdown becomes symbol of renewed Uganda-Rwanda friendship
NewsJuly 25, 2026LAW SOCIETY FIGHTS KATUNGI EXTRADITION! ULS Warns Against ‘Illegal’ Katungi Extradition, Says Case Could Set Dangerous Constitutional Precedent. Lawyers Say Defective Proceedings and Constitutional Violations Must Be Addressed
