KAMPALA, Uganda — Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been charged with treason and misprision of treason after a dramatic arrest by security operatives, a development that has intensified political tensions and raised fresh concerns about the independence of Uganda’s justice system.
Lukwago, one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition politicians and human rights lawyers, was taken into custody on June 15 after operatives linked to the Special Forces Command raided his home in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division.
Witnesses said security personnel surrounded the residence in unmarked “drone” minibuses before scaling the perimeter fence after Lukwago reportedly declined to open the gate. He was later transferred to police custody and, on Wednesday, formally faced treason related charges.
The arrest was publicly confirmed by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni.
Kainerugaba drew widespread criticism after posting photographs on social media that appeared to show Lukwago blindfolded and visibly distressed. In the posts, he vowed to inflict “hurt and pain” on the veteran lawyer and predicted he would spend at least a decade in prison. He later claimed his wife had persuaded him to release Lukwago, although the opposition figure was subsequently handed over to police authorities.
Veteran Opposition Figure
Born on May 11, 1970, in what is now Kalungu District, Lukwago built his reputation as a constitutional lawyer and outspoken government critic.
A graduate of Makerere University and the Law Development Centre, he established Lukwago & Co. Advocates in 1998 and became known for handling constitutional and human rights cases.
His political career gained national prominence when he was elected Member of Parliament for Kampala Central in 2006. In 2011, he became Kampala’s first directly elected Lord Mayor and went on to win two more terms in 2016 and 2021.
Throughout his political journey, Lukwago survived impeachment attempts, fought numerous court battles against state agencies and remained one of the government’s most vocal critics. He has been associated with several opposition formations, including the Democratic Party, the Forum for Democratic Change and, most recently, the People’s Front for Freedom.
Link to Besigye Trial
The charges against Lukwago come as he serves as lead defense counsel for veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, who is also facing treason and misprision of treason charges.
Besigye, a four time presidential candidate, was arrested in Kenya in November 2024 and returned to Uganda. Prosecutors accuse him of participating in an alleged plot to overthrow the government through meetings held in several countries, including Switzerland, Greece and Kenya.
The case has attracted national and international attention, particularly after it was transferred from a military tribunal to a civilian court.
Just days before his arrest, Lukwago had appeared in court alongside Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua as part of Besigye’s legal team. The defense was also preparing to serve court documents on Kainerugaba over social media statements that they argued threatened Besigye’s constitutional rights and undermined the prospect of a fair trial.
A High Court judge had reportedly authorized service of the documents shortly before Lukwago was arrested.
Growing Concern
Opposition leaders and rights advocates have condemned the arrest, arguing that it could interfere with Besigye’s access to legal representation and further undermine confidence in the judicial process.
Supporters gathered outside Kira Division Police Station following reports of Lukwago’s detention, while opposition figures accused security agencies of targeting government critics.
Among the strongest critics was opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, who described the operation as a politically motivated abduction.
The incident has also renewed scrutiny of Kainerugaba’s increasingly controversial social media activity, which critics say has blurred the line between military authority and political engagement.
As of Wednesday, authorities had not publicly provided detailed evidence supporting the charges, and Lukwago’s next court appearance had yet to be confirmed.
With treason among the most serious offenses under Ugandan law, the case is expected to become a major test of the country’s commitment to judicial independence, political freedoms and the rule of law.
Observers say the proceedings will be closely watched both within Uganda and internationally as questions mount over the treatment of opposition figures and the integrity of ongoing high profile political trials.
