The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called on security agencies to uphold constitutional rights and due process following the arrest of retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu in Soroti City.
In a statement dated November 3, 2026, ULS said it was concerned by the circumstances surrounding Elwelu’s arrest on the evening of November 2, following public statements by the Chief of Defence Forces alleging subversive activities and plans to destabilise the Teso sub-region.
The arrest also reportedly followed the recovery of firearms and other items.
The lawyers’ body insisted that regardless of an individual’s rank, reputation or public standing, every person is entitled to constitutional protection, including the right to legal representation and a fair hearing.
Citing Article 23 of Uganda’s Constitution, ULS emphasised that anyone arrested must be informed immediately of the reasons for their arrest, granted access to a lawyer and brought before a court as soon as possible, but not later than 48 hours.
“Regardless of the identity, rank, reputation, or public controversy surrounding any individual, the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and international standards bind the State,” the statement read.
ULS further demanded full transparency from authorities regarding the legal basis for Elwelu’s detention, the circumstances surrounding his arrest, the existence of probable cause, his place of detention and access to his lawyer and family.
The society also cautioned against a repeat of what it described as troubling patterns witnessed during the Besigye matter, including interference with legal teams, obstacles to chosen counsel and erosion of fair-trial safeguards.
“ULS will not entertain a repeat of the patterns observed in the Besigye matter and related proceedings, including obstacles to chosen counsel, interference with legal teams, opaque processes, and erosion of fair-trial safeguards,” the statement added.
The organisation has invited Elwelu’s next of kin, lawyer and personal doctor to its offices at ULS House, Kololo, for discussions on protective measures and strategies to guard against possible procedural abuse.
It also condemned what it termed as trial by media, warning that public statements presuming guilt or prejudging judicial outcomes undermine the rule of law.
“Public pronouncements that presume guilt, strip ranks outside established legal processes, or prejudge outcomes undermine the rule of law and the integrity of any subsequent judicial proceedings,” ULS stated.
The statement was signed by ULS President and Head of the Bar, Isaac K. Ssemakadde, who reaffirmed the society’s commitment to monitoring compliance with constitutional and international standards.
“The rule of law is not a privilege reserved for the popular or the powerful; it is the minimum guarantee for every person,” he said.
