By Desmond Nleya
KAMPALA, Uganda – Tensions in Uganda’s political landscape escalated on Monday after prominent opposition lawyer and former Kampala mayor Erias Lukwago was reportedly detained by security operatives under unclear circumstances.
According to family members and officials from the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), armed security personnel arrived at Lukwago’s residence in Kampala before taking him to an undisclosed location. By the time of reporting, Ugandan authorities had not issued an official statement confirming his arrest or explaining his whereabouts.
Lukwago is one of Uganda’s most influential opposition figures and currently serves as legal counsel for veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Legal Battle with Army Chief
The reported detention comes amid preparations by Lukwago to serve court summons on General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni.
The legal action is connected to Besigye’s controversial detention following his alleged abduction from Kenya in 2024. Lukwago has also been involved in legal proceedings relating to alleged threats made against Besigye by Kainerugaba through social media posts.
Opposition leaders have questioned the timing of the lawyer’s detention, arguing that it is linked to his planned legal challenge against the army chief.
Social Media Posts Raise Questions
Shortly after reports of Lukwago’s detention surfaced, General Kainerugaba published a series of social media posts that appeared to reference the incident.
In one message, he claimed to have “captured a fool and taken him to the basement.” In another, he suggested that anyone attempting to summon him to court would “learn the lesson.” Additional posts warned that individuals seeking to serve him legal documents could face arrest.
The comments have drawn criticism from opposition groups and human rights activists, who accuse the military chief of undermining the rule of law through inflammatory rhetoric.
Opposition Leaders Condemn Detention
Lukwago’s wife strongly condemned the operation, insisting that her husband had committed no crime and was simply carrying out his professional duties as a lawyer.
She described the incident as politically motivated and warned that Uganda was drifting toward authoritarian practices reminiscent of the era of former ruler Idi Amin.
Exiled opposition leader Bobi Wine also denounced the detention, alleging that soldiers acting on Kainerugaba’s instructions arrested Lukwago to prevent him from pursuing the legal case.
Growing Concerns Over Political Freedom
The incident has intensified concerns about political freedoms and judicial independence in Uganda. Critics argue that opposition politicians, activists and lawyers continue to face intimidation and harassment, particularly in cases involving high-profile government officials.
General Kainerugaba has frequently attracted controversy for provocative social media statements directed at opposition figures and government critics.
As demands grow for answers regarding Lukwago’s whereabouts, opposition groups are calling for his immediate release and urging authorities to uphold the principles of justice, due process and the rule of law.
The reported detention is expected to further heighten political tensions in Uganda as scrutiny of the country’s democratic institutions continues both domestically and internationally.
