Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania | 1st July, 2026
The East Africa Law Society (EALS), together will all national bars in East Africa, the Pan African Lawyers Union, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya),the Kenya Human Rights Commission and East Africa Civil Society Organisations Forum (EACSOF) issue this statement in light of serious and continuing concerns arising from developments in Uganda that raise prima facie questions of constitutional compliance, statutory fidelity, and adherence to the rule of law. Taken cumulatively, these developments implicate the foundational pillars of constitutional governance: personal liberty, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the independence of the legal profession. They present a continuing situation requiring urgent cessation by responsible Ugandan authorities.
DEPRIVATION OF LIBERTY AND DUE PROCESS CONCERNS
We express grave and escalating concern regarding credible and consistent reports of deprivation of liberty affecting multiple individuals in Uganda, including the reported detention and uncertain legal status of Dr. Miria Matembe, senior legal practitioner and former Minister of Ethics and Integrity, alongside earlier reported abduction incidents involving Dr. Sarah Bireete, Ms. Eunice Musiime, and others whose circumstances continue to emerge, and of course the continued prosecution and persecution of senior advocate, and former mayor of Kampala Hon. Erias Lukwago.
