Written By | Staff Writer
Lukwago has been charged with misprison of treason
Search
Kampala
Former Kampala Lord Mayor and prominent opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago (also known as Salongo Erias Lukwago) has been formally charged with misprision of treason at Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court. He is jointly charged with Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulega, Frank Kihehere, Joel Wakayima, and several others. Lukwago denied the charges. His legal team, led by Hon. Medard Ssegona, has applied for bail primarily on health grounds. The court is expected to rule on the application soon.
Background of the Arrest
Lukwago’s dramatic arrest occurred on the morning of Monday, June 15, 2026, at his residence in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, Kampala. Security operatives, reportedly from the Special Forces Command (SFC), surrounded the home with drones. When Lukwago reportedly refused to open the gate, they scaled the fence and took him to an undisclosed location.
The arrest came just as Lukwago, acting as lead counsel for Dr. Kizza Besigye in an ongoing High Court case, was preparing to serve court summons on Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni. The summons related to an application accusing Gen. Muhoozi of issuing threats and prejudicial statements against Besigye.
Gen. Muhoozi publicly confirmed the arrest on X (formerly Twitter), posting taunting messages such as “I have captured a FOOL and taken him to the basement!” and vowing to “finish” long-standing conflicts with Lukwago and Besigye. He also shared images appearing to show a blindfolded Lukwago in custody.
Lukwago was later transferred to Kira Division Police Station before appearing in court today.
Details of the Charges
Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and 2024, particularly in Nairobi, Kenya, Lukwago and the co-accused became aware of plans related to treason but failed to report them to authorities — the essence of misprision of treason (knowingly concealing or failing to disclose treasonous information).
This links Lukwago directly to the long-running treason and misprision of treason case involving his client, Dr. Kizza Besigye, who has been in detention for over 500 days. Critics, including opposition figures and human rights groups, describe the charges as politically motivated and an attempt to weaken Besigye’s defence team while intimidating the judiciary.
Reactions and Concerns
The arrest and charges have drawn widespread condemnation from opposition leaders, the Uganda Law Society, and civil society, who view it as an attack on the rule of law and the right to legal representation. Concerns have also been raised about Lukwago’s access to his family, lawyers, and medical care during his initial detention.
Lukwago’s wife, Zawedde Lubwama Lukwama, was reportedly denied access initially, and supporters clashed with police outside the court.
Torch Media Africa
