Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago Arrested by Security Operatives

Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been arrested after security operatives surrounded his residence in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, Kampala.

The arrest followed an early morning operation involving personnel believed to be attached to the Special Forces Command (SFC), who deployed around his home before later entering the premises.

Before his arrest, Lukwago reported that security officers had cordoned off his residence as he prepared to take his children to school.

“I was also stunned to wake up and find two minibuses, commonly known as ‘drones,’ outside my gate. There are people in civilian clothes and others in army uniforms all over the place. I can’t get out of the house,” Lukwago said.

He said he had not been informed about the purpose of the operation.

“I don’t know why they are here and what they are looking for. I haven’t spoken to them, and they haven’t spoken to us either,” he added.

Witnesses said several security vehicles, including drone vans and a police patrol vehicle, were seen outside the residence before some officers reportedly scaled the perimeter wall and entered the compound.

The arrest comes at a time when Lukwago is leading the defence team representing opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale, in an ongoing treason and national security case.

In recent weeks, Lukwago and other members of the defence team, including Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, declined to participate in an evidence review session, citing restrictions on access to their clients at Luzira Upper Prison. The accused persons have also refused to physically attend some court proceedings.

The development also follows ongoing legal efforts by Lukwago’s team to serve court documents on the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in a separate petition filed by Besigye and Lutale over alleged threats made on social media.

On Thursday, High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma directed Gen Muhoozi to respond to the petition within seven days.

Lukwago said on Friday that while the Attorney General had already been served, court documents had not yet been delivered to Gen Muhoozi, Col Peter Ahimbisibwe and Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga.

The timing of the operation has prompted speculation about whether it is linked to the ongoing legal proceedings involving Besigye and Lutale. However, by the time of publication, neither the Uganda Police Force nor the military had issued an official statement explaining the reasons for Lukwago’s arrest.

Further details surrounding the operation and any potential charges against the former Kampala Lord Mayor were not immediately available.