Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has announced a nationwide peaceful strike to protest what it describes as increasing constitutional violations, human rights abuses, and the erosion of the rule of law in Uganda. The action coincides with the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, observed on June 26.
According to ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, lawyers across the country will suspend operations, close their offices, and refrain from providing non-emergency legal services. The ULS headquarters in Kololo was closed on Thursday afternoon as part of the protest, with notices declaring, “Closed, lawyers on strike, in solidarity with victims of torture.”
The lawyers say the strike is intended to draw attention to alleged torture, arbitrary detention, intimidation of advocates, and unlawful conduct in the administration of justice. Asiimwe argued that courts, which should protect citizens' rights, have increasingly failed to uphold constitutional safeguards, leaving many Ugandans without effective legal protection.
As part of the protest, lawyers have been urged to wear black attire, black ribbons, and armbands, and gather in graveyards across the country as a symbolic act of mourning for victims of alleged torture and injustice. ULS Acting Secretary Babu Ssali said the initiative is meant to spotlight what the society views as a betrayal of anti-torture commitments and to encourage citizens to speak out against abuses of power.
The action follows recent tensions between the legal fraternity and state institutions, including the arrest and charging of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who is part of the legal team representing opposition figure Kizza Besigye. Lawyers argue that Lukwago was carrying out his professional duties and that the charges against him raise concerns about interference with legal representation.
ULS Communications Head Adam Nuwamanya indicated that while the main strike activities will take place on Friday, the broader campaign may continue beyond that date depending on developments and the response from authorities.
Meanwhile, political and civil society actors have expressed support for the lawyers' concerns, arguing that constitutional protections and democratic principles must be safeguarded if Uganda is to maintain public confidence in its justice system.
Source: Daily Monitor UG
