news 17 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Lukwago's Wife Petitions High Court for Husband's Immediate Release
Zawedde Lubwama Lukwago has filed an urgent application in the High Court seeking the immediate release of her husband, former Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, who she claims was unlawfully arrested and detained by military operatives. She has named Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the IGP, and the Attorney General as respondents. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lukwago-s-wife-seeks-high-court-order-for-his-immediate-release-5499540
The wife of detained former Kampala Mayor and senior lawyer Erias Lukwago, Zawedde Lubwama Lukwago, has approached the High Court in Kampala with an urgent application demanding her husband’s immediate production and release. She asserts that Mr. Lukwago is being held illegally and unconstitutionally by security operatives.
In her legal filing, Ms. Lukwago has cited Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Inspector General of Police, and the Attorney General as the respondents. She is specifically requesting the court to intervene and order the authorities to release Mr. Lukwago, “dead or alive,” emphasizing that his continued detention violates his fundamental rights.
Ms. Lukwago detailed in an affidavit that armed men in military uniform forcibly entered her home on Monday morning, scaling the perimeter wall before entering their bedroom and abducting her husband. She witnessed Mr. Lukwago being bundled into a vehicle, commonly referred to as a “drone,” and driven to an undisclosed location.
She further stated that at the time of his arrest, Mr. Lukwago was preparing to serve court documents on Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba in a case where Mr. Lukwago was representing Dr. Kizza Besigye and others. Ms. Lukwago also pointed to social media posts by Gen. Muhoozi, where he appeared to claim responsibility for the operation and allegedly published distressing photographs of her husband.
Concerns have also been raised about Mr. Lukwago’s health. He reportedly suffers from gastritis and is recovering from a herniated disc operation, requiring specific meals and medication. His wife fears his current detention conditions may not meet these medical needs.
The application argues that the military lacks the legal authority to arrest and detain civilians, asserting that Mr. Lukwago’s detention breaches constitutional guarantees of personal liberty and due process. While police confirmed Mr. Lukwago is being held at Kira Divisional Police Headquarters, facing potential charges similar to those brought against Dr. Kizza Besigye, a hearing date for Ms. Lukwago’s application had not yet been set at the time of reporting.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)