The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), which represents over one million lawyers from 46 countries, has written to President Yoweri Museveni raising concerns about the arrest and ongoing detention of Ugandan lawyer and opposition politician Erias Lukwago.

In a letter dated June 24, 2026, CCBE President Roman Završek called on Ugandan authorities to clearly explain the legal grounds for Lukwago’s detention and to guarantee that he can perform his professional duties as a lawyer without any hindrance or interference.

“I am writing to you on behalf of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), which represents the Bars and Law Societies of 46 countries and, through them, more than 1 million lawyers,” Završek stated in the letter.

The CCBE expressed worry over reports that armed security personnel entered Lukwago’s residence in Kampala on June 15, 2026, and took him to an undisclosed location. According to the information received, the arrest took place while he was actively working as legal counsel and preparing to serve summons on General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of the President.

This latest international intervention has increased attention on a case that has already drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures, members of the legal fraternity, and human rights groups in Uganda.

The letter comes shortly after the Makindye Chief Magistrates Court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera, rejected Lukwago’s bail application on Tuesday. The magistrate ruled that the reasons provided by the defence and sureties were not strong enough for his release.

However, the court recognised health concerns and ordered prison authorities to transfer him to Mulago National Referral Hospital for specialised medical assessment and treatment. Lukwago’s lawyers, led by Medard Ssegona, had argued that he suffers from complications arising from an aggravated spinal disc dislocation that cannot be adequately managed in prison.

The court further directed that Lukwago’s wife and one lawyer of his choice be granted reasonable access during his hospital stay.

Lukwago, who also serves as president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), is charged with misprision of treason. Prosecutors claim that between 2021 and 2024, in both Uganda and Kenya, he failed to report information about an alleged treason plot involving his clients. He has strongly denied the charges.

In the letter, Završek reminded Ugandan authorities of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers — particularly Principles 16, 17, and 18 on guarantees for lawyers’ functioning, and Principle 23 on freedom of expression and association.

The CCBE urged authorities to immediately clarify the circumstances and legal basis of Lukwago’s detention, including his place of detention, and to ensure he can continue his legal work without intimidation or obstruction. The body stressed that lawyers must be able to carry out their duties free from fear of reprisal, hindrance, intimidation, or harassment to uphold the rule of law.

Domestically, the case continues to stir political debate. Opposition lawmakers led by Joel Ssenyonyi have demanded that Parliament be recalled from recess to discuss the arrest. Meanwhile, the Uganda Law Society has condemned the charges as politically motivated and an abuse of the criminal justice system.

By Thursday evening, no official government response to the CCBE letter had been made public.