Uganda Law Society Probes Police Role in Muwema & Co. Advocates Eviction Amidst Rent Dispute
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has formally requested an explanation from the Uganda Police Force regarding its involvement in the eviction of Muwema & Co. Advocates from their offices in Kololo on March 6, 2026. The eviction has sparked controversy, with the ULS raising concerns about due process and the potential for law enforcement to be used in civil matters. However, the case is complicated by a significant rent debt owed by the law firm.
Eviction and ULS Concerns
According to the ULS, Muwema & Co. Advocates were evicted from their premises at Plot 50 Windsor Crescent with the assistance of police officers. ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe has questioned the legality of the eviction, emphasizing the need to ensure law enforcement does not support actions outside the bounds of the law Nile Post. The ULS has given police five working days to respond to their inquiry, seeking clarification on whether the operation was authorized by police leadership and to identify the commanding officer responsible Nile Post.
Underlying Rent Dispute
While the ULS focuses on the process of the eviction, a substantial financial dispute lies at the heart of the matter. Fred Muwema and his firm reportedly owe more than Shs 1.4 billion in rent arrears, court-ordered damages, and mesne profits Watchdog Uganda.
Court Ruling and ‘Option to Purchase’ Claim
The High Court Commercial Division ruled on February 20, 2026, in the case of Downtown Investments Ltd v M/s Muwema & Co. Advocates (HCCS No. 621 of 2023) that the 2014 lease had been lawfully terminated due to repeated defaults Watchdog Uganda. The court declared Muwema & Co. Advocates trespassers, leading to the eviction carried out by bailiffs with police presence Watchdog Uganda.
Following the eviction, Fred Muwema argued that an “option to purchase” (OTP) clause in the lease agreement altered the landlord-tenant relationship, negating his rent obligations Watchdog Uganda. However, critics argue that this claim is a legal tactic to avoid paying the substantial debt Watchdog Uganda.
Public and Legal Reactions
The ULS’s petition to the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, has coincided with public debate on the matter. Many Ugandans have expressed the view that Muwema should fulfill his financial obligations like any other tenant Watchdog Uganda. The case raises questions about whether legal professionals are held to the same standards as other citizens when it comes to upholding the law.
The Uganda Law Society has condemned the eviction Monitor and NTV Uganda.