Ugandan opposition lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, has reportedly been detained by security operatives in Kampala, a development that has triggered widespread concern among opposition figures and human rights advocates.
According to relatives and members of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), armed security personnel stormed Lukwago’s residence on Monday and whisked him away to an undisclosed location. Authorities have yet to officially confirm his arrest or disclose his whereabouts.
Lukwago, a prominent opposition figure and legal counsel to veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, is one of Uganda’s most high-profile critics of the government.
Reports indicate that his detention came as he was preparing to initiate legal action against Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni.
The planned legal action is linked to Besigye’s controversial detention following what opposition figures describe as his alleged abduction from Kenya in 2024. Lukwago has also previously represented Besigye in cases involving alleged threats made by Kainerugaba on social media.
Opposition leaders claim the timing of Lukwago’s arrest is directly connected to his intended legal summons against the army chief.
Shortly after news of the reported detention emerged, General Kainerugaba posted several messages on social media that appeared to reference the incident. In one post, he wrote that he had “captured a fool and taken him to the basement,” while another suggested that anyone attempting to serve him court papers would face consequences.
The military chief, known for controversial and provocative online remarks, has previously drawn criticism for statements targeting opposition figures.
Lukwago’s wife condemned the reported arrest, describing it as politically motivated and asserting that her husband had committed no offence. She compared the situation to past authoritarian eras in Uganda and called for his immediate release.
Exiled opposition leader Bobi Wine also condemned the incident, alleging that security forces acted on orders linked to the army chief in detaining Lukwago as he pursued legal proceedings.
The reported detention has intensified concerns over political freedoms, judicial independence and the treatment of opposition figures in Uganda.
As of the time of reporting, Lukwago’s location remains unknown, while opposition groups continue to demand clarification from security agencies and call for his immediate release.
