Lukwago respects his partner and can’t be polygamous
Dec 02, 2005
ELIAS Lukwago is a prominent lawyer in Kampala and Zawedde Lukwago's husband. He has represented many high profile-personalities including, Winnie Byanyima and her husband, Kizza Besigye. He has been married to Zawedde for five years and they have two children. <b>Pidson Kareire</b> talked to him an
ELIAS Lukwago is a prominent lawyer in Kampala and Zawedde Lukwago's husband. He has represented many high profile-personalities including, Winnie Byanyima and her husband, Kizza Besigye. He has been married to Zawedde for five years and they have two children. Pidson Kareire talked to him and below are excerpts.
How does it feel to be a prominent lawyer?
(Laughs). How can I be prominent when a few days ago I was in jail? Anyway, I’m happy about it. People have just rewarded me by unanimously electing me legal adviser for Democratic Party (DP).
Are lawyers under peer pressure to buy Mercedes Benzes?
Historically, the legal profession was associated with this kind of snobbish lifestyle. Lawyers like a showy life. I think that is what is driving most lawyers to this Benz craze.
While representing Dr. Besigye in the Court Martial, you were detained. How did it feel?
(Laughter). It sounds like fiction, but I’m a convict. It baffled me. I entered as a lawyer and came out as a convict. The person I went to represent has not been convicted, but I’m already convicted.
What did you like in the cell?
The cell exposed me to what so many people whose rights I have been fighting for go through. And when I’m talking it is now out of experience. There were no seats and I sat on the floor.
From what we have heard you seem to be rich.
I have nothing to talk about. As we talk now my account may be in red. I don’t own real property and I am still renting. All the cases I have handled, particularly DP cases, are pro-bono (free of charge).
What does love mean to you?
It is a natural intimate affection between two people of the opposite sex.
How much did you spend on your first date?
I remember it was with my wife, but I don’t remember how much I spent because I was so taken up.
What is your approach to survival?
I cherish the principle that you should not postpone something that can be done today to tomorrow and, of course, to live within my means.
How good are you as a husband?
I have demonstrated my love to my wife and I always show commitment to stay in our union for the rest of my life. The love I have for my children originates from their mother. She is an advocate like me, but we don’t mix our profession with domestic affairs.
But the Koran allows you to marry four wives provided you have resources.
I don’t think it is my right to live a polygamous life. I have to respect the feelings of my partner.
You are entering politics in the next year’s parliamentary race for Kampala Central. Are you ready for the hustle?
I always wanted to play any role in civil society without necessarily going into elective politics, but I was compelled by challenges of the day, particularly, restoring the rule of law using another arm of government (parliament). I have prepared myself for all the challenges. Politics is a dirty game, but unless we clean it, it will remain as such.
You seem to be Ssemwogerere’s right-hand man. Do you think of being a DP boss one day?
It would be fool-hardy to nurture such ambitions, but, of course, I’m ready to serve in any position given any opportunity.
What do you regard as your finest hour?
When I win a case in public interest litigation, particularly in the field of human rights and constitutionalism, I feel very happy.
What is your best perfume, watch and after shave?
I use RM. Unfortunately, I don’t wear watches, although my pals give them to me. As for after-shave, I use those in barbershops where I cut my hair. I go to Salon Epitome on Kampala Road and Salon Spire on Johnson Street.
What is your favourite drink?
Juice. I don’t drink alcohol.
How often do you go dancing?
I stopped going to club when I started working because I became too busy.
What would make you slap your wife?
It would be an extreme case like if I caught her cheating on me. However, my emotional control is excellent. Otherwise, I don’t think I can slap her on trivial issues. Being a vanguard of human rights, I detest the concept of domestic violence.
What would you do if you caught your wife in bed with another man?
That would be the desecration of my empire and the only way I can cleanse my empire would be to divorce. I cannot fight.
What do you understand by the term Mr/ Miss Right?
It is the person of your dream.
The fine for adultery is very little. Has it ever bothered you?
It bothers me so much and when I go to Parliament, it is one of the laws I will make sure is amended. It is really outdated. And the Domestic Relations Bill seems not to have addressed it appropriately.
What do you do when you are happy?
When I’m extremely happy my eyes become teary. I also take friends out when I’m happy.
How about when you are pissed off?
I retreat to my home and rest.
What is your nickname at home?
Everyone, even my wife, calls me counsel.
How often do you thank your wife?
She does so many things for me and civility demands that I thank her. I often do it.
Do you believe in joint accounts?
Yes. I do to create a family pool.
Do you watch soccer?
I’m a fanatic supporter of Arsenal. The first time I went to London I made sure I visited Highbury.
How does it feel to be a prominent lawyer?
(Laughs). How can I be prominent when a few days ago I was in jail? Anyway, I’m happy about it. People have just rewarded me by unanimously electing me legal adviser for Democratic Party (DP).
Are lawyers under peer pressure to buy Mercedes Benzes?
Historically, the legal profession was associated with this kind of snobbish lifestyle. Lawyers like a showy life. I think that is what is driving most lawyers to this Benz craze.
While representing Dr. Besigye in the Court Martial, you were detained. How did it feel?
(Laughter). It sounds like fiction, but I’m a convict. It baffled me. I entered as a lawyer and came out as a convict. The person I went to represent has not been convicted, but I’m already convicted.
What did you like in the cell?
The cell exposed me to what so many people whose rights I have been fighting for go through. And when I’m talking it is now out of experience. There were no seats and I sat on the floor.
From what we have heard you seem to be rich.
I have nothing to talk about. As we talk now my account may be in red. I don’t own real property and I am still renting. All the cases I have handled, particularly DP cases, are pro-bono (free of charge).
What does love mean to you?
It is a natural intimate affection between two people of the opposite sex.
How much did you spend on your first date?
I remember it was with my wife, but I don’t remember how much I spent because I was so taken up.
What is your approach to survival?
I cherish the principle that you should not postpone something that can be done today to tomorrow and, of course, to live within my means.
How good are you as a husband?
I have demonstrated my love to my wife and I always show commitment to stay in our union for the rest of my life. The love I have for my children originates from their mother. She is an advocate like me, but we don’t mix our profession with domestic affairs.
But the Koran allows you to marry four wives provided you have resources.
I don’t think it is my right to live a polygamous life. I have to respect the feelings of my partner.
You are entering politics in the next year’s parliamentary race for Kampala Central. Are you ready for the hustle?
I always wanted to play any role in civil society without necessarily going into elective politics, but I was compelled by challenges of the day, particularly, restoring the rule of law using another arm of government (parliament). I have prepared myself for all the challenges. Politics is a dirty game, but unless we clean it, it will remain as such.
You seem to be Ssemwogerere’s right-hand man. Do you think of being a DP boss one day?
It would be fool-hardy to nurture such ambitions, but, of course, I’m ready to serve in any position given any opportunity.
What do you regard as your finest hour?
When I win a case in public interest litigation, particularly in the field of human rights and constitutionalism, I feel very happy.
What is your best perfume, watch and after shave?
I use RM. Unfortunately, I don’t wear watches, although my pals give them to me. As for after-shave, I use those in barbershops where I cut my hair. I go to Salon Epitome on Kampala Road and Salon Spire on Johnson Street.
What is your favourite drink?
Juice. I don’t drink alcohol.
How often do you go dancing?
I stopped going to club when I started working because I became too busy.
What would make you slap your wife?
It would be an extreme case like if I caught her cheating on me. However, my emotional control is excellent. Otherwise, I don’t think I can slap her on trivial issues. Being a vanguard of human rights, I detest the concept of domestic violence.
What would you do if you caught your wife in bed with another man?
That would be the desecration of my empire and the only way I can cleanse my empire would be to divorce. I cannot fight.
What do you understand by the term Mr/ Miss Right?
It is the person of your dream.
The fine for adultery is very little. Has it ever bothered you?
It bothers me so much and when I go to Parliament, it is one of the laws I will make sure is amended. It is really outdated. And the Domestic Relations Bill seems not to have addressed it appropriately.
What do you do when you are happy?
When I’m extremely happy my eyes become teary. I also take friends out when I’m happy.
How about when you are pissed off?
I retreat to my home and rest.
What is your nickname at home?
Everyone, even my wife, calls me counsel.
How often do you thank your wife?
She does so many things for me and civility demands that I thank her. I often do it.
Do you believe in joint accounts?
Yes. I do to create a family pool.
Do you watch soccer?
I’m a fanatic supporter of Arsenal. The first time I went to London I made sure I visited Highbury.