The reported arrest of opposition lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has intensified scrutiny of Uganda’s security agencies and raised fresh questions about the treatment of government critics.
The incident unfolded on Monday morning at Lukwago’s residence in Wakaliga, a Kampala suburb, where security operatives allegedly entered his home and took him into custody.
Shortly before his arrest, messages posted on Lukwago’s official Facebook account suggested he believed his home was under siege.
“Am under attack at my home,” one post read.
A second message followed shortly afterwards: “I am under attack; they have jumped over the perimeter wall into my home.”
About an hour later, a further post attributed to an administrator stated: “Just in: President of PFF and former Lord Mayor has been abducted now from his home after military officers jumped over his fenced home in Wakaliga.”
The incident adds Lukwago to a growing list of opposition figures and government critics who have reportedly been detained by security agencies in recent years. Several members of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), including Edward Ssebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, and Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, have previously reported similar experiences.
According to eyewitnesses, security personnel dressed in both military uniform and civilian clothing arrived at Lukwago’s home at around 7:30am. Some reportedly arrived on motorcycles while others travelled in Toyota Hiace vans commonly referred to as “drones”.
Witnesses said officers initially observed the residence from outside before additional security vehicles arrived.
Lukwago, who was reportedly preparing to take his children to school, later described finding his home surrounded by security personnel.
“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,” he said.
“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.
Residents said some officers later climbed over the perimeter wall after failing to gain entry through the main gate. They allegedly proceeded directly to the house and took Lukwago away to an undisclosed location.
The circumstances surrounding the arrest have fuelled speculation because of Lukwago’s role as a lawyer representing opposition leader Kizza Besigye in an ongoing treason case.
The development comes days after Besigye filed a legal challenge against Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The application, lodged before the Criminal Division of the High Court, accuses Gen Muhoozi of making public statements that allegedly threaten Besigye and undermine his right to a fair trial.
Last week, Justice Emmanuel Baguma directed Gen Muhoozi to file a response within seven days.
Lukwago later confirmed that the Attorney General had already been served with court documents, while Gen Muhoozi and other respondents were yet to receive formal service.
Court filings cite several social media posts attributed to Gen Muhoozi, including one allegedly suggesting that Besigye should be hanged on Heroes Day and another describing him as a “dead man walking.”
Besigye argues that such remarks from a senior military officer violate constitutional guarantees of a fair hearing and an independent judicial process.
The application also revisits the circumstances surrounding Besigye’s arrest in Kenya in November 2024 alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya.
According to the court documents, the applicants contend that they were returned to Uganda without following proper extradition procedures and were subsequently detained at Makindye Military Barracks, where they were allegedly denied access to legal representation.
Besigye is seeking declarations that the statements attributed to Gen Muhoozi contravene constitutional protections and that aspects of the criminal proceedings against him are inconsistent with the right to a fair trial.
The High Court has scheduled the matter for hearing on June 30, while any further responses from Besigye’s legal team are expected before June 25.
As questions continue to surround Lukwago’s detention, attention is likely to remain focused on the broader legal and political implications of a case that has already attracted significant public interest.
