ULS Defends Lawyer Caleb Alaka Over Representation of Anita Among in Graft Probe

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has come out to defend City Lawyer Caleb Alak for providing legal services to outgoing Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among during the ongoing graft probe. 

Asiimwe Anthony, the Vice President of the Society, in a statement,  strongly condemned what he described as “recent extrajudicial social media statements directed at Advocate Caleb Alaka concerning his representation of Rt. Hon. Anita Among in matters reportedly arising from corruption investigations.”

The statement was in reaction to a message allegedly sent out by the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who warned that private lawyers defending corruption suspects would face consequences.

The warning was believed to be targeted at lawyer Caleb Alaka, who leads Anita Among’s legal team. Alaka has been seen at the residences of the embattled Bukedea Woman MP to witness searches mounted by the joint security forces.

The security raids at her residence and her former office at Parliament have resulted in the confiscation of some documents. 

They seized a $440,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan from her home in Kigo. Calebe Alaka has been at each of those venues as Anita Among’s lawyer as part of the constitutional guarantees.

Asiimwe said direct warnings by senior army officers that private lawyers representing persons accused of corruption will “face consequences,” together with the public pronouncement on the auction of a Rolls-Royce, are unconstitutional and constitute a serious threat to the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law.

He cites states that Section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act, Cap 305, which enjoins Uganda Law Society “to represent, protect and assist members of the legal profession in Uganda as regards conditions of practice and otherwise,” imposes a clear statutory duty on the Society to safeguard advocates from intimidation and improper interference in the discharge of their professional duties.

Consistent with this mandate, the ULS reiterates the caution it issued on 5 February 2026 at the commencement of the New Law Year. On that day, during the Radical New Bar (RNB) Live event held at ULS House (after boycotting the official judiciary event), the Society raised the alarm over the increasing militarisation of public affairs and the serious implications this poses for the independent practice of law. 

The Society warned against the dangers of practising law under military rule, highlighting how unconstitutional emergency-like measures, growing military influence over civilian matters, abductions, internet blackouts, and interference with judicial processes create an environment of fear and intimidation that threatens the core functions of the legal profession and the rule of law itself.

Asiimwe further said that such intimidation has happened in the recent past.  He cited an example of Advocate Kakuru Tumusiime, who was arrested, brutalised, and charged with common nuisance simply for attempting to access his clients at the Magere home of Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi. “This incident exemplifies the unacceptable harassment of lawyers in the course of their legitimate duties’ said Asiimwe

The ULS further warns that senior military officers, including the Chief of Defence Forces, bear command responsibility under both Ugandan law and International Law for unlawful acts committed by subordinates under their effective command and control. Where a commander knew, or ought to have known, that subordinates were committing or about to commit violations, and failed to take reasonable measures to prevent, repress, or punish them, personal criminal and civil liability attaches. 

There is no immunity for such acts under Ugandan law or under International Criminal Law, particularly for breaches of the Constitution, fundamental rights, or international crimes as codified in the Rome Statute (to which Uganda is a State Party) and customary international law.

“We call upon the Judiciary to expedite all pending cases in which the Chief of Defence Forces has been sued in his personal capacity, so that the rule of law may be seen to prevail without fear or favour,” he urged. 

Asiimwe says Article 28(3)(d) of the 1995 Constitution guarantees every person the right to legal representation by a lawyer of their choice. “This right is absolute and applies equally to all persons, regardless of the allegations against them or public opinion surrounding their case,” he stated.

He explained that no lawyer becomes criminally liable merely by representing a client. 

“The professional role of a lawyer is to provide legal advice, representation, and defence within the confines of the law. Attempts to intimidate lawyers for executing that duty undermine the administration of justice and the independence of the legal profession,” said Asiimwe. 

He said Principle 16 of the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers requires that lawyers be allowed to perform their professional duties without intimidation, harassment, or improper interference. Similarly, the International Bar Association Standards for the Independence of the Legal Profession (Standards 7 and 8) provide that a lawyer is not to be identified with the client or the client’s cause, however popular or unpopular it may be, and no lawyer shall suffer or be threatened with sanctions or harassment by reason of having legitimately advised or represented any client.

The ULS notes that, on several occasions since 7 January 2025, it has formally requested a bilateral conference with the army leadership. 

“We have also extended invitations to the army to attend ULS events, including the inaugural Sam Kalega Njuba Memorial Lecture and occasional debates at ULS House. These invitations have regrettably gone unanswered.” 

He again invites the army leadership to the 15th RNBLive session this Thursday at ULS House. Speak to it directly, not behind a keypad.

The ULS reminds all state actors that Uganda is governed by the Constitution and not by intimidation, fear, or personal threats issued through social media. We therefore call upon all advocates across the country to stand firm, courageous, and faithful to their professional oath. The legal profession must never yield to intimidation or threats for defending constitutional rights and upholding access to justice.

The ULS said it will continue to defend the independence of the legal profession and uphold the constitutional rights and freedoms guaranteed to all persons under the laws of Uganda.