ULS Petitions IGP Over Muwema Law Firm Eviction

By Skika Reporter

The leadership of the Uganda Law Society has formally written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abbas Byakagaba, seeking explanations for the involvement of police officers in the forceful eviction of Muwema & Co Advocates from their offices on Plot 50 Windsor Crescent Road in Kololo.

The eviction, carried out on March 6, was enforced by court bailiffs from Downtown Investments Ltd, who were backed by police, despite an ongoing legal case regarding rent arrears and financial claims exceeding Shs1.4 billion. Video footage circulating on social media showed office furniture, documents, and other items being removed from the premises.

Speaking to journalists in Kampala, Anthony Asiimwe described the police action as “malicious” and a blatant violation of due process.

“The police did this blatantly. This is an attack on the legal profession. We feel we are not protected as lawyers and members of the public…We have formally written to the Inspector General of Police to know who the Commanding Officer of the eviction was, and whether he approved this activity without a verified and lawful warrant from a court,” Mr Asiimwe said.

He further raised concerns about the handling of sensitive client documents. “We also seek to know if any steps were taken to bring the culprits to book and if the police were involved in removing confidential and sensitive documents. What if clients come and demand them? What will Muwema answer? Where’s the custody for these documents after the eviction?”

The dispute stems from a five-year lease signed in December 2014, initially pegged at $5,000 per month (Shs18,600,850), later revised to $10,000 (Shs37,201,700). Though the lease expired in December 2019, the firm continued occupying the premises. A February ruling by Justice Patricia Mutesi of the Commercial Division ordered the firm to vacate and settle outstanding claims.

Mr Asiimwe emphasized that law firms manage sensitive client data, including property documents, title deeds, wills, and exhibits, which must be legally protected from harm. He stressed that “any disputes between advocates and landlords (or creditors) should not put clients at risk,” and that the right of appeal must be respected as part of due process.

In a statement, the Uganda Law Society called on Downtown Investments Ltd and the police to reverse their actions, issue an apology to Muwema & Co Advocates, immediately cease unlawful activities, and respect the pending appellate process.

By press time, police had not commented on the issue despite repeated attempts to reach their spokesperson.