Veteran opposition politician, lawyer, and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been formally charged with misprision of treason. He appeared before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday afternoon, where he denied the charges.
Lukwago, who also serves as president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and lead counsel for detained opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, was arrested on Monday, June 15, in a dramatic pre-dawn raid at his home in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division.
Security operatives, reportedly involving Special Forces Command (SFC) elements and vehicles described as “drones,” surrounded his residence. Lukwago allegedly refused to open the gate, after which forces scaled the fence and took him from his bedroom.
He was held at an undisclosed location for more than 48 hours before being transferred to Kira Division Police Station in Wakiso District on Wednesday morning. Family members, including his wife Zawedde Lubwama Lukwago, and supporters gathered at the station but were largely denied access. Only his lawyer, Medard Lubega Sseggona, was permitted to see him initially.
Appearing at Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, June 17, Lukwago was charged specifically with misprision of treason. This offence, under Section 25 of Uganda’s Penal Code Act, involves knowingly being aware of plans for an unlawful change of government (treason) but failing to report it to a lawful authority, such as a minister, magistrate, or police officer.
He pleaded not guilty and denied the charges.
Details of any additional charges, such as the main count of treason mentioned in earlier police statements, or the full particulars of the alleged offence linking him to the Besigye case, were not immediately disclosed in open court reports. The case is still developing, with further proceedings expected.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke had earlier confirmed that authorities were preparing charges of treason and misprision of treason against Lukwago, linking him to the long-running treason case involving Dr. Kizza Besigye and co-accused Obeid Lutale (and Capt. Denish Oyaa Oola). Besigye has been in detention for over 500 days on similar charges.
Lukwago’s arrest occurred as his legal team prepared to serve court documents on Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba in a separate application by Besigye.
This application accuses the military chief of issuing prejudicial statements and threats, potentially undermining a fair trial. Gen. Muhoozi publicly commented on the arrest on social media, referring to holding Lukwago in his “basement” and later stating he would remain in prison for a minimum of 10 years.
The development has drawn sharp condemnation from opposition leaders, lawyers, human rights activists, and figures such as National Unity Platform (NUP) MP Joel Ssenyonyi.
Critics describe it as political persecution aimed at weakening Besigye’s defence and intimidating the opposition amid Uganda’s tense political climate.
Lukwago’s wife has reportedly filed a High Court application seeking his immediate release, naming Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Inspector General of Police, and the Attorney General as respondents.
This case highlights ongoing debates about rule of law, arrests, and the treatment of political figures and their legal representatives in Uganda. More updates are expected as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) reviews the file and the court process unfolds.