Politics 15 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Opposition parties condemn "state lawlessness" after Erias Lukwago's 'violent' arrest

Uganda's opposition has strongly condemned the "state lawlessness" following the violent arrest of Erias Lukwago, lawyer for opposition figure Kizza Besigye. The incident, involving security operatives raiding Lukwago's home, has drawn widespread condemnation and accusations of intimidation. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/fdc-nup-condemn-state-lawlessness-following-violent-arrest-of-besigye-s-lead-counsel-erias-lukwago-5496988

Prominent human rights lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, was violently arrested from his home by armed security operatives on Monday morning. The operation, reportedly carried out by officers in Special Forces Command (SFC) uniforms, occurred shortly after Lukwago had publicly stated his difficulties in serving court documents to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Lukwago’s wife recounted a harrowing experience, describing how security personnel scaled the perimeter wall and forcibly entered their home. She alleged that she was physically assaulted when she attempted to intervene. The lawyer’s wife drew parallels between the incident and the “darkest historical eras” of Uganda, suggesting a regeneration of past oppressive regimes.

The arrest comes as Lukwago is a key member of the legal team representing veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, who faces treason-related charges. Lukwago had revealed that his team was struggling to serve Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba with a human rights enforcement lawsuit stemming from alleged death threats against Dr. Besigye by the CDF.

This incident has ignited outrage across the political spectrum. The National Unity Platform (NUP) President, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), who is in self-imposed exile, denounced the arrest as a “violent abduction” and called for resistance against “brazen impunity.” NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya echoed these sentiments, while the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, expressed a defiant outlook.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Vice Chairperson, Robert Centenary, characterized the raid as a direct assault on judicial independence and constitutional freedoms. He linked the politically motivated arrest to the ongoing trial of Dr. Besigye. Legal experts and colleagues have voiced concerns for Lukwago’s safety, suggesting the arrest is politically motivated due to his professional duties. As of press time, neither the police nor the military had issued an official statement regarding Lukwago’s whereabouts or the legality of his detention.