Condemning the Arbitrary Arrest, Abduction, and Unlawful Detention of Human Rights Lawyer Erias
July 1, 2026
Lead Counsel for Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale in the High Court of Uganda Treason Trial
The New York City Bar Association is deeply concerned about credible allegations of arbitrary arrest, abduction, and unlawful detention amounting to conduct consistent with an enforced disappearance, directed against Mr. Erias Lukwago, a prominent human rights attorney currently representing leading members of the Ugandan political opposition. Mr. Lukwago was detained by the Special Forces Command of the Ugandan Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF). Mr. Lukwago’s abduction constitutes yet another example of the continuing intimidation of lawyers and judges in Uganda and has broader negative implications for the rule of law in Uganda.
On June 15, 2026, members of the Special Forces Command of the UPDF forced themselves into Mr. Lukwago’s private residence in the Wakaliga neighborhood of the Lubaga Division of Kampala, detained him, and removed him to an undisclosed location. These soldiers were acting at the direction of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of the Defense Forces of the UPDF and son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni.[1]
According to the affidavit of Mr. Lukwago’s wife, the operatives failed to present an arrest warrant, identify themselves, or communicate any offense for which Mr. Lukwago was being arrested.[2]
Mr. Lukwago is currently serving as lead counsel to Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale, in their ongoing treason trial in the High Court of Uganda – a trial that is widely considered to be politically motivated.[3] According to Dr. Besigye, a prominent opposition figure and former presidential candidate, Ugandan officials extrajudicially abducted him from Nairobi, Kenya in late 2024, and transported him to Uganda to illegally face a military tribunal.
Mr. Lukwago also represents Dr. Besigye in another related case, concerning multiple death threats against Dr. Besigye made by General Kainerugaba on social media platforms.[4] In connection with this matter, Mr. Lukwago was preparing to serve a court summons on General Kainerugaba. The same day that Mr. Lukwago was detained, General Kainerugaba publicly stated on the social media platform X that he would arrest anyone attempting to serve him with court papers and posted that he had ‘captured a fool and taken him to the basement.’[5] General Kainerugaba then posted images of Mr. Lukwago blindfolded and in an undisclosed location and boasted that he was ‘proud of all of the hurt and pain’ he would inflict on Mr. Lukwago.[6] Mr. Lukwago has since been charged with misprision of treason (failure to report treason), and has been remanded in custody.[7]
The UPDF’s unlawful treatment of Mr. Lukwago constitutes blatant retaliation for him carrying out his professional responsibilities and duties and contravenes national laws as well as Uganda’s obligations under regional and international legal frameworks.
The arbitrary arrest, abduction, unlawful detention, and credible allegations of ill-treatment of Mr. Lukwago[8] highlight a worrying trend and democratic decline in Uganda,[9] with increased military interference in civilian affairs, carried out with impunity. Mr. Lukwago’s family and legal team have reported that he was beaten during transport to an undisclosed location and held incommunicado. There are also serious concerns regarding Mr. Lukwago’s health: lawyers appearing on his behalf have reported worsening spinal complications, a weakened immune system, and exposure to tuberculosis[10] at Murchison Bay Prison, where he is being held.[11] Moreover, the detention of counsel – here, Mr. Lukwago – during active proceedings interferes with the rights of the accused and may amount to an obstruction of justice. This is not merely an individual rights violation; it is an institutional crisis affecting the rule of law and the administration of justice in Uganda.
Of particular concern is the very nature of the charge against Mr. Lukwago. The misprision of treason charge alleges that Mr. Lukwago failed to report information he allegedly obtained in the course of his professional duties as defense counsel. His legal team has explained that such information is protected by lawyer-client privilege and that criminalizing lawyer-client communications fundamentally undermines the right to legal representation and the fairness of criminal proceedings. The Uganda Law Society has described Mr. Lukwago’s prosecution as a gross abuse of process, underscoring that serving court documents or vigorously defending a client in a high-profile political trial does not, and cannot, constitute misprision of treason. The New York City Bar Association strongly concurs: the charging of defense counsel on the basis of information obtained in the course of their professional duties constitutes a direct attack on the attorney-client relationship and on the constitutional right of every accused person to effective legal representation.
In June 2025, the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (Amendment) Act was signed into force, with provisions allowing civilians to be tried in military courts. This followed and was apparently intended to counter the previous striking down by the Uganda Supreme Court of a similar law under which civilians were being subjected to military criminal jurisdiction.[12] The military has consistently obstructed lawyers from adequately representing clients subjected to military trials in Uganda, including prior counsel to Dr. Kizza Besigye, Mr. Eron Kiiza, who was charged with and convicted of contempt of court in a military court and sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment.
Mr. Lukwago’s case has drawn widespread condemnation from the legal community and civil society. The East African Law Society[13] has denounced his arrest as unlawful and inhumane.[14] The Uganda Law Society and the Law Society of Kenya have strongly decried the arrest and prosecution, describing it as an attack on the legal profession and the administration of justice and warning of a chilling effect on lawyers representing clients in politically sensitive cases. The Commonwealth Lawyers Association similarly condemned the detention, stating that targeting defense lawyers through arrest because of their work for a client strikes at the heart of judicial independence and the right to a fair trial.[15] The Uganda Law Society President wrote directly to the Director of Public Prosecutions, copied to the Chief Justice and the Attorney General, demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all charges.
The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe – representing more than one million lawyers across 46 countries – wrote directly to President Museveni on June 24, 2026, calling on Ugandan authorities to clarify the legal basis for Mr. Lukwago’s detention, ensure his ability to continue his legal work without obstruction, and uphold the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.[16] In a further escalation, the Uganda Law Society declared a nationwide lawyers’ strike on June 26, 2026[17] – World Anti-Torture Day – after issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to the authorities demanding Mr. Lukwago’s immediate release. The case – and the wider crackdown of which it forms part – has been widely covered in regional and international media as emblematic of a deepening and accelerating assault on the rule of law, the independence of the legal profession, and freedom of expression in Uganda.[18]
On June 22, 2026, Hon. Martha Karua, SC – Mr. Lukwago’s co-lead counsel and former Kenyan Cabinet Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs – was detained and deported from Entebbe International Airport upon her arrival in Uganda to attend court proceedings in Mr. Lukwago’s case.[19] Uganda declared her persona non grata, a development that has been widely denounced as a further and egregious interference with the right to counsel[20] and the administration of justice.[21]
On June 23, 2026, Chief Magistrate Sarah Anne Basemera denied bail to Mr. Lukwago in an electronic ruling,[22] finding that the ongoing nature of the investigations, together with Mr. Lukwago’s acknowledged public influence and the circumstances of the case, weighed against his release at this stage of the proceedings.[23] The court nevertheless ordered the Officer in Charge of Murchison Bay Prison and the Commissioner General of Prisons to facilitate Mr. Lukwago’s referral to Mulago National Referral Hospital within 24 hours for a comprehensive medical assessment and treatment.[24] Mr. Lukwago was expected to be produced in court on June 30, 2026, but the proceedings were adjourned to July 7, 2026, because he is undergoing specialized medical investigations and treatment.[25]
The crackdown has since widened dramatically beyond the legal profession. On the night of June 28, 2026, General Kainerugaba ordered the forced closure of at least six major media outlets,[26] including the Daily Monitor newspaper, NTV, Spark TV, Dembe FM, KFM, and The East African – all part of the Nation Media Group – with soldiers deployed to their Kampala premises. General Kainerugaba declared on X: ‘I have the power in Uganda to shut down ANY media house I want to. From now on ALL media in Uganda will follow the rules.’ No legal basis, formal instrument, or gazette notice was cited for the closures. The National Association of Broadcasters described the shutdowns as a serious blow to Uganda’s media ecosystem.[27] Amnesty International called the closures emblematic of ‘an unchecked and unjust campaign of harassment and intimidation of independent media and civil society.’
The Chairman of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee called on the U.S. to review its security relationship with Uganda, stating that General Kainerugaba’s attacks on freedom of expression, including the forced closure of major media outlets, make him and the UPDF ‘unfit partners’ for the United States.[28]
In parallel, on June 24, security forces raided the home of Dr. Miria Matembe, a former Minister of Ethics and Integrity and one of the architects of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, who had publicly criticized General Kainerugaba’s human rights record.[29] After spending two days in hiding, Dr. Matembe was arrested on June 28. General Kainerugaba personally confirmed her detention on X. The Uganda Law Society formally wrote to the Inspector General of Police seeking clarification of Dr. Matembe’s whereabouts and legal status.[30] On the same day, two civil society lawyers – Dr. Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, and Eunice Musiime, Executive Director of the Alliance for Women Advocating for Change – were also arrested at Musiime’s residence and held for questioning before being released.[31] In a further legal escalation, forty lawyers from twelve law firms filed a human rights enforcement action in the High Court of Uganda on June 29, 2026, directly challenging General Kainerugaba’s conduct – including the abduction of Mr. Lukwago and the deportation of Hon. Karua – as unconstitutional violations of the right to counsel and the fair administration of justice.
Articles 23 and 24 of the Constitution of Uganda protect the right to personal liberty, establish conditions for lawful arrest and detention, and prohibit torture and inhuman and degrading treatment by state actors and others. Uganda’s Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act criminalizes torture and ill-treatment by state actors and others, while the Criminal Procedure Code Act regulates powers and procedures for arrest and detention. Uganda’s Constitution, its Advocates Act, and its Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act collectively protect the right to personal liberty, set conditions for lawful arrest and detention, safeguard the professional independence of lawyers, and criminalize torture and ill-treatment by state actors or others. In particular, under Article 208(2) of the Constitution, the UPDF is subordinate to civilian authority and cannot intimidate, threaten, or arrest lawyers performing their professional duties. Detaining defense counsel during a trial also contravenes the constitutionally protected right of the accused to a fair trial.
Uganda’s actions in this case similarly contravene its responsibilities under regional frameworks and international law. Regionally, the Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Fair Trial and Legal Assistance in Africa mandate the protection and independence of legal professionals such as Mr. Lukwago, while the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) guarantees personal liberty and security, and prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention. Internationally, Uganda is bound by legal obligations such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which prohibits arbitrary arrest, detention, and violations of fair trial standards; the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), which obligates the prevention and punishment of torture; and the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, which protect lawyers from harassment, interference, and intimidation, and emphasize that lawyers must be free to represent their clients without fear of reprisals.
The New York City Bar has previously expressed grave concern about the obstruction of lawyers through military impunity in Uganda, after the conviction of Mr. Eron Kiiza, calling on the government of Uganda to uphold its international human rights obligations and to refrain from targeting lawyers carrying out their duties as representatives.[32]
The New York City Bar Association calls on the Ugandan authorities to:
- Respect the due process rights of Mr. Erias Lukwago, secure his immediate release, and guarantee his safety and well-being – including access to appropriate medical care – and the safety and well-being of his family members.
- Immediately and unconditionally withdraw the misprision of treason charge against Mr. Lukwago, which criminalizes the exercise of his professional duties as defense counsel and is incompatible with the right to legal representation and the principle of lawyer-client privilege.
- Uphold the rule of law by guaranteeing that legal professionals can perform their duties without fear of harassment, intimidation, or unlawful detention.
- Conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the abduction and unlawful detention of Mr. Lukwago, including credible allegations of ill-treatment, and ensure that his rights are fully protected.
- Immediately reverse the declaration of Hon. Martha Karua, SC as persona non grata and allow her to return to Uganda to fulfill her professional obligations as co-lead counsel, and ensure that Mr. Lukwago, Hon. Karua, and other members of their legal team are not threatened, targeted, or impeded in their representation of Dr. Besigye and Haji Lutale.
- Ensure that all allegations of abduction, unlawful detention, and extrajudicial transfer are subject to thorough and impartial investigation, and that the rights of all persons deprived of their liberty are fully protected.
- Immediately release Dr. Miria Matembe and all other individuals arbitrarily arrested in connection with the current crackdown, and ensure that civil society leaders and human rights defenders are free to carry out their work without fear of reprisal.
- Immediately reopen all media outlets closed on June 28, 2026, and refrain from any further interference with freedom of the press and freedom of expression.
- Engage and cooperate fully with relevant international and regional human rights mechanisms, including the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, in light of the reported targeting of Mr. Lukwago while carrying out his professional duties as defense counsel and the credible allegations of ill-treatment during his detention, with a view to ensuring independent monitoring, accountability, and protection of the rule of law.
- Uphold international and constitutional obligations to respect, protect, and promote the rights of all citizens, including legal professionals and human rights defenders.
Legal practitioners play a unique and vital role in society. In recognition of this important function, they are accorded special protection under national, regional, and international law. These rights, and the independence of the judiciary, are cornerstones of a just society and must be defended. The New York City Bar Association strongly condemns the illegal arrest, abduction, and detention of Mr. Lukwago and stands in solidarity with Ugandan lawyers and human rights defenders advocating for justice and the rule of law.
Footnotes
[1] BBC, Lawyer in high-profile Ugandan treason case charged with related offence, June 18, 2026, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj9g3j4pe2no
[2] The Independent (Uganda), In Court: Lukwago Faces Misprision of Treason Charges, June 17, 2026, https://www.independent.co.ug/in-court-lukwago-faces-misprision-of-treason-charges/
[3] Monitor, Lukwago detention sparks legal alarm, June 21, 2026, https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/lukwago-detention-sparks-legal-alarm-5502052#story
[4] Citizen Digital/ Agence France-Presse, Uganda Opposition Lawyer Appears in Court After Army Boss Muhoozi Boasts of His Abduction, June 17, 2026, https://citizen.digital/article/uganda-opposition-lawyer-appears-in-court-after-army-boss-muhoozi-boasts-of-his-abduction-n384830
[5] The East African, Besigye lawyer Lukwago arrested, party says, June 16, 2026, https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/besigye-lawyer-lukwago-arrested-party-says-5497856
[6] Reuters, Ugandan Forces Arrest Lawyer of Opposition Figure Facing Treason Charges, June 15, 2026, https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ugandan-forces-arrest-lawyer-opposition-figure-facing-treason-charges-party-says-2026-06-15/
[7] Reuters, Ugandan Opposition Figure’s Lawyer Charged with Treason-Related Offence, June 17, 2026, https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/ugandan-opposition-figures-lawyer-charged-with-treason-related-offence-2026-06-17/
[8] The Independent, Lawyers rally behind Lukwago, condemn alleged abduction and torture, June 22, 2026, https://www.independent.co.ug/lawyers-rally-behind-lukwago-condemn-alleged-abduction-and-torture/
[9] The East African, A state cannot build democracy by intimidation, June 21, 2026, https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/opinion/editorials/a-state-cannot-build-democracy-by-intimidation-5504030
[10] Pulse Uganda, Lukwago Bail Hearing Adjourned as Lawyers Raise Alarm on Potential TB Infection, June 22, 2026, https://www.pulse.ug/story/lukwago-bail-hearing-adjourned-as-lawyers-raise-alarm-on-potential-tb-infection-2026062207591047717
[11] NilePost, Lukwago’s Health Worsens in Luzira as Defense Seeks Emergency Transfer to Mulago, June 22, 2026, https://nilepost.co.ug/news/350380/lukwagos-health-worsens-in-luzira-as-defense-seeks-emergency-transfer-to-mulago
[12] Human Rights Watch, Uganda: Supreme Court Bans Military Trials of Civilians, January 31, 2025, https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/01/31/uganda-supreme-court-bans-military-trials-civilians
[13] Daily Monitor (Uganda), East African Law Society Condemns Lukwago’s Arrest, Charging, June 19, 2026, https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/east-african-law-society-condemns-lukwago-s-arrest-charging–5502700
[14] Daily Monitor (Uganda), Law Students, ICRC Condemn ‘Inhumane’ Arrest of Erias Lukwago, June 19, 2026, https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/law-students-icrc-condemn-inhumane-arrest-of-erias-lukwago-5502746
[15] University of Wisconsin-Madison (Lawyers and Democratic Decline), Commonwealth Lawyers Association Statement regarding arrest and detention of Erias Lukwago, June 29, 2026, https://ladd.law.wisc.edu/2026/06/22/commonwealth-lawyers-association-statement-regarding-arrest-and-detention-of-erias-lukwago/
[16] NilePost, European Lawyers’ Body Writes to Museveni Over Lukwago Detention, June 25, 2026, https://nilepost.co.ug/news/351408/european-lawyers-body-writes-to-museveni-over-lukwago-detention
[17] Daily Express, Lawyers go on strike over torture, arbitrary detentions, June 25, 2026, https://dailyexpress.co.ug/2026/06/25/uganda-law-society-nationwide-strike-torture-rule-of-law-june-2026/
[18] The Independent, Lawyers rally behind Lukwago, condemn alleged abduction and torture, June 22, 2026, https://www.independent.co.ug/lawyers-rally-behind-lukwago-condemn-alleged-abduction-and-torture/
[19] BBC News, Former Kenyan Justice Minister Blocked from Entering Uganda, Lawyers’ Body Says, June 22, 2026, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0ly6786px4o
[20] The Observer, Kenya Law Society condemns Karua’s deportation from Uganda, June 23, 2026, https://observer.ug/news/kenya-law-society-condemns-karuas-deportation-from-uganda/
[21] The East African, Uganda Deports Martha Karua, Declares Her Persona Non Grata, June 22, 2026, https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/martha-karua-denied-entry-uganda-ahead-of-lukwago-bail-ruling-5504834
[22] The Investigator, BAIL AGONY! LUKWAGO BACK TO LUZIRA: Court postpones ruling on opposition lawyer’s freedom. Magistrate to announce decision by email as supporters fear for his health, June 22, 2026, https://theinvestigatornews.com/2026/06/bail-agony-lukwago-back-to-luzira-court-postpones-ruling-on-opposition-lawyers-freedom-magistrate-to-announce-decision-by-email-as-supporters-fear-for-his-health/
[23] The Independent (Uganda), Court defers ruling on Lukwago’s bail application to Tuesday, June 22, 2026, https://www.independent.co.ug/court-defers-ruling-on-lukwagos-bail-application-to-tuesday/
[24] The Independent, Lukwago transferred to Mulago Hospital for specialized treatment, June 25, 2026, https://www.independent.co.ug/lukwago-transferred-to-mulago-hospital-for-specialized-treatment/
[25] The Observer, Lukwago too ill to attend court, treason case deferred to July 7, June 30, 2026, https://observer.ug/news/lukwago-too-ill-to-attend-court-treason-case-deferred-to-july-7/.
[26] Amnesty International, Uganda: Authorities must immediately end the harassment of activists, allow media to operate freely, June 29, 2026, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/06/uganda-authorities-must-immediately-end-the-harassment-of-activists-allow-media-to-operate-freely/
[27] AllAfrica, Uganda: NUP Condemns Military Siege of NMG Outlets As Attack On Press Freedom, June 28, 2026, https://allafrica.com/stories/202606290113.html
[28] People Daily, US senator calls for review of security ties with Uganda amid media crackdown, June 29, 2026, https://peopledaily.digital/news/us-senator-calls-for-review-of-security-ties-with-uganda-amid-media-crackdown
[29] Pulse, Matembe arrested from friend’s house after 2 days on the run, June 28, 2026, https://www.pulse.ug/story/matembe-arrested-from-friends-house-after-2-days-on-the-run-2026062815455663697
[30] Uganda Law Society, post on X via @AAssimwe, June 29, 2026, https://x.com/AAssimwe/status/2071637178535301131
[31] The Independent, Why security arrested, released lawyers Bireete, Musiime, June 28, 2026, https://www.independent.co.ug/why-security-arrested-released-lawyers-bireete-musiime/
[32] Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice / New York City Bar Association, City Bar Statement on Uganda Arrest of Eron Kiiza, January 2025, https://www.vancecenter.org/city-bar-statement-uganda-arrest-eron-kiiza/.
Erias Lukwago being escorted to court by prison warders on June 22. (Abdu Musiime)
Uganda’s dark days return
https://www.independent.co.ug/ugandas-dark-days-return/
June 24, 2026
A wave of opposition arrests, military detentions and treason charges signals a deepening political crisis
COVER STORY | IAN KATUSIIME | Uganda’s security agencies’ continued abduction and torture of political opponents, with Erias Lukwago, former Kampala Lord Mayor and lawyer to the incarcerated Dr Kizza Besigye on treason charges, becoming the latest political figure linked to these developments, has heightened anxiety and fear across the country, reviving memories of the dark days of former President Idi Amin and fuelling concerns among critics over what they describe as a weakening of the rule of law.
Lukwago, also the president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), the country’s newest political party, was abducted by soldiers attached to the Special Forces Command (SFC) from his home in Wakaliga, on the outskirts of Kampala, on the morning of June 15 as he set out to serve a summons on Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for 40 years.
The operation, allegedly carried out on Muhoozi’s orders, saw Lukwago bundled into a drone van, an incident that sparked concern over his safety and possible prolonged detention.
Dr Besigye had, on June 8, filed a lawsuit against Muhoozi over alleged unlawful detention and public threats to his life. Filed in the High Court in Kampala, the suit alleges that Muhoozi’s statements, including threats to hang Besigye on Heroes’ Day, violated his constitutional rights.
High Court Judge Arthur Baguma granted Muhoozi seven days to respond to the suit. Although Muhoozi had earlier declared on X that “Only Mzee (my father) can summon me”, The Independent understands that he has since responded to the court summons, seeking the dismissal of an application filed by veteran opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye.
In an affidavit sworn by Lt Col. Daniel Atwine, head of the Special Investigations Bureau of the UPDF, the state dismisses the allegations made by Dr Besigye and co-applicant Obed Lutale as “misconceived, speculative, founded on hearsay and conjecture”, arguing that the claims should be addressed during the criminal trial rather than through a separate court application.
Meanwhile, Lukwago, who appeared in court on Monday for the mention of his case after being charged with misprision of treason and remanded to Luzira Prison, was denied bail.
The proceedings took place amid controversy after immigration officials blocked Dr Besigye’s lead lawyer, Martha Karua, a Kenyan national, from entering the country to observe the proceedings.
Uganda’s Constitution bars serving members of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) from engaging in partisan politics or making political statements. However, the CDF has repeatedly made political pronouncements and vowed to arrest those who criticise or oppose him.
Lukwago’s abduction was met with widespread outrage and condemnation from members of the public concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in the country. On social media, many Ugandans demanded his immediate release.
Lukwago has, over the years, earned a reputation as a champion of ordinary Ugandans, both as Kampala Lord Mayor and as a constitutional lawyer committed to defending the rule of law.
He has also represented numerous opposition politicians in both civil and criminal cases. In a statement, the East Africa Law Society urged the Ugandan judiciary to uphold Lukwago’s rights.
“Ensure that his application for bail is determined fairly, expeditiously and in accordance with the law,” said EALS President Ramadhan Abubakar.
Following his abduction, Lukwago was reportedly taken to a facility in Kasenyi, Entebbe, where Muhoozi later posted a photograph of the former Kampala mayor in visible distress, his head shaved.
He was only presented before Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court more than 48 hours after his arrest, well beyond the stipulated timeframe for presenting a suspect in court under the country’s laws.
The incident echoed the treatment of Eddie Mutwe, bodyguard to opposition leader Bobi Wine, who underwent a similar ordeal after being abducted on Muhoozi’s orders in May last year. Mutwe remains in prison.
Lukwago’s wife told journalists that his husband was slapped, beaten, stripped naked, and photographed in an apparent attempt to humiliate him.
His court appearance on June 19 drew a large crowd of supporters and well-wishers before he was taken to prison. Through his lawyer, Medard Ssegona, Lukwago told the court that he suffers from hypertension, gastritis, respiratory complications, and a spinal injury that requires specialised treatment.
Lukwago’s ordeal joins that of his long-time political ally, Dr Kizza Besigye, who has been in detention since November 2024. Besigye, alongside his comrade Obed Lutale, was abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, in what critics describe as a joint operation involving Ugandan and Kenyan security operatives before being driven to Uganda under the cover of darkness.
The duo has since filed a constitutional petition in the High Court of Kenya, accusing Kenyan authorities of colluding with Ugandan security forces to abduct and unlawfully extradite them to Kampala.
Political Prisoners
Ugandan prisons and military detention facilities are believed to hold thousands of political prisoners, some detained as far back as 2019, when the People Power Movement emerged as a formidable force in opposition politics.
Just months after Uganda’s most recent elections, a growing wave of militarisation appears to have engulfed the country.
Social media platforms have been flooded with calls and hashtags demanding the release of political detainees, including Lukwago, Besigye, Olivia Lutaaya, Bobi Giant, Achileo Kivumbi, Mutwe and many others.
To make the situation worse, many remain unaccounted for. For instance, one of the most prominent cases is that of George Kibalama, who was allegedly disappeared by state agents on Martyrs Day, June 3, 2019. Kibalama’s wife died a few months ago, leaving behind three young children who continue to live without answers regarding their father’s whereabouts.
Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine and president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), sneaked out of the country with his family for the United States after the military laid siege to his home in Magere, Wakiso District, during a nationwide manhunt. At the time, Muhoozi declared that he was searching for Bobi Wine “dead or alive”.
Bobi Wine has remained one of Muhoozi’s most vocal critics on social media, particularly on Twitter, a platform beyond the military chief’s direct control.
At the same time, Muhoozi has frequently used the platform to issue threats against opponents and make controversial remarks. On one occasion, he claimed to be disappointed that security forces had killed “only 22” NUP members, a statement that drew widespread condemnation.
Bobi Wine’s wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, revealed that she was tortured by SFC soldiers who raided her home while searching for her husband.
Muhoozi has also said that Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi is next in line for his basement. Ssenyonyi has remained steadfast in his criticism of the CDF over the years.
Following Lukwago’s abduction, Ssenyonyi held a press conference at Parliament and urged Muhoozi to formally join politics.
“Remove the uniform and stop using your office to play politics,” he said. Ssenyonyi later tweeted about an alleged plot to implicate him in the treason case facing former Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi.
Muwanga was arrested in January this year and charged with treason following a scuffle in Butambala District during which police shot and killed some of his supporters under circumstances that remain unclear. The CDF has also instructed his Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) to field a candidate for Leader of Opposition, another move critics say is a blatant violation of the law.
Had any other Chief of Defence Forces attempted to establish a political movement while still in active service, they would likely have faced arrest and court martial proceedings, as happened to senior military officers such as Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, Col. Kizza Besigye, Gen. David Sejusa and others. Their offence was challenging President Museveni in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief.
Kahinda Otafiire, an NRA historical and current Minister of Water and Environment, has emerged as one of the few voices within Museveni’s inner circle willing to openly criticise Muhoozi.
Speaking at a recent meeting following Lukwago’s abduction, Otafiire, in his trademark blunt and unapologetic style, warned against remaining silent.
“You see what is happening today. Do not commit the sin of silence,” said Otafiire, whose political journey began more than five decades ago when he joined the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA), the movement founded by Museveni to fight Idi Amin.
As abductions, torture and killings increasingly become part of the national conversation, many Ugandans have expressed shock and concern that the country appears to be drifting back toward the dark days of military dictatorship. Amin ruled Uganda for eight years in a reign marked by widespread fear and brutality before being overthrown in 1979 by Tanzanian forces and Ugandan exiles after he attempted to annex Tanzania’s Kagera Salient.
Treason charge
The treason charge has increasingly become the state’s preferred tool against political opponents. Ironically, critics argue that individuals who have made statements that could be construed as treasonous have continued to walk free.
One such case involves businessman Frank Gashumba, who portrays himself as a leader of the Abavandimwe (Banyarwanda) community. In a widely circulated video, Gashumba suggested he would mobilise the M23 militia in Uganda to respond to what he described as persecution of their community.
Critics contend that Gashumba should have faced legal scrutiny for publicly expressing solidarity with a rebel group accused internationally of committing atrocities, including mass killings and crimes against humanity in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Instead, Gashumba continues to enjoy state-provided security escorts. Muhoozi responded to the controversy by saying he would simply hold a meeting with Gashumba to “resolve the matter”.
Besigye and Lukwago, by contrast, face treason-related charges based on allegations their supporters describe as unsubstantiated. Their detention in Luzira Prison has galvanised many Ugandans including the church, demanding justice, accountability and greater respect for the rule of law.
Besigye’s health has deteriorated significantly during his detention. Lukwago, meanwhile, enters prison with pre-existing medical conditions that have already raised concerns among his supporters and legal team.
From the moment a visibly frail Besigye was wheeled into Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court and charged with treason and misprision of treason without the knowledge of his lawyers, supporters have maintained a persistent call for justice.
Public pressure, however, has yielded some results. Besigye’s eventual appearance before the Nakawa court came after growing outrage sparked by images circulating on social media showing his worsening health condition.
The proceedings also marked the effective end of the long-running controversy surrounding the trial of civilians in military courts. Earlier, the Supreme Court had ruled that civilians should not be tried before military tribunals, paving the way for such cases to be transferred to civilian courts.
Notably, the charge sheet filed before the Chief Magistrate’s Court omitted the firearms possession charges that Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, had previously faced before the General Court Martial.
The fates of Besigye and Lukwago—two men who have worked closely together for more than a decade—have now become intertwined.
Lukwago joined the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in 2020 with Besigye’s support. That political journey eventually culminated in his election as president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) after the party’s formal registration in 2025.
Today, both men find themselves battling treason charges, a tactic that opposition politicians say has become a familiar feature of Uganda’s political landscape.
In 2018, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, faced similar accusations following his arrest in Arua. Authorities alleged that weapons had been recovered from his hotel room. Muwanga Kivumbi and Lukwago are among the latest opposition figures to face comparable charges.
Dr Besigye, most imprisoned politician in Africa
But it is Besigye, now 70 years old, who has carried the heaviest burden of the treason charge on the African continent. A four-time presidential candidate and one of Africa’s most prominent opposition figures, Besigye has spent more than two decades confronting state power.
His current prosecution represents the latest chapter in a long history of legal battles with the state.
In 2005, Besigye faced his first treason charge shortly after returning from exile in South Africa to contest the 2006 presidential election against President Museveni. A decade later, in 2016, he was again charged with treason after conducting a symbolic swearing-in ceremony following another disputed election.
Critics argue that the state has relied on a combination of loyal prosecutors and sympathetic judges to ensure that the treason cases proceed. High Court Judge Arthur Baguma has repeatedly denied Besigye bail.
Justice Douglas Singiza, who has also presided over aspects of the same matter, similarly denied him bail. On one occasion, Singiza cited Besigye’s poor health as a reason for refusing his release, saying he did not want a situation where the veteran politician might faint in court.
The remarks left many observers bewildered and triggered criticism from supporters who argued that Besigye’s deteriorating health was itself grounds for granting bail.
A packed courtroom filled with supporters and allies erupted into pro-Besigye chants after the judge ordered that he remain in custody.
Singiza was also the judge who remanded author and activist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija despite allegations that he had been tortured while in state custody.
Ultimately, Besigye’s health has become a matter of growing concern. There have been occasions when he appeared in court unable to walk without assistance. His condition has attracted international attention, with human rights organisations calling for his immediate release and access to specialised medical treatment.
Besigye has undertaken hunger strikes to protest what he considers unlawful detention. Supporters fear that Lukwago may now face a similar ordeal as he begins his own period of incarceration.
