news 15 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Former Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago Arrested at Home

Erias Lukwago, former Mayor of Kampala and President of the People's Front for Freedom (PFF), was reportedly arrested at his residence in Wakaliga early Monday morning. The exact reasons for his detention remain unclear. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/former-kampala-mayor-lukwago-arrested-at-home-5496652

Opposition figure Erias Lukwago, also the former Mayor of Kampala, was reportedly apprehended at his home in Wakaliga on Monday morning. Details surrounding the arrest and any potential charges or investigations have not yet been disclosed.

Sources close to Lukwago indicated that he was scheduled to participate in a television interview but decided to host it from his residence. It was also reported that Lukwago was preparing to serve court documents on the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Eyewitnesses, including local boda boda riders, reported a significant security presence around Lukwago’s home starting at 6:00 a.m. They described seeing unmarked vehicles and one with visible registration plates, carrying individuals in both military and civilian attire, who reportedly scaled the perimeter fence to gain entry.

Inside the residence, a journalist from Monitor, Ibrahim Kavuma, recounted hearing loud demands from the operatives directed at Lukwago’s wife and the slamming of doors before the former mayor was taken. Electronic devices of those present were also temporarily confiscated.

In a social media post later that day, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba wrote, “I have captured a FOOL and taken him to the basement!” While no name was mentioned, the timing of the post has led to speculation about its connection to Lukwago’s reported arrest.

The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has strongly condemned the arrest, denouncing it as an act of state-sponsored lawlessness aimed at suppressing political dissent. The party expressed its determination, stating that “intimidation cannot and will not deter our resolve.”

Neither the Uganda Police Force nor other official security agencies have released a statement regarding the incident. The circumstances of the alleged abduction could not be independently verified at the time of reporting.