Opposition Leaders Condemn Lukwago Abduction, Warn of Eroding Rule of Law

Opposition political parties in Uganda have voiced strong condemnation following the abduction of Erias Lukwago, a prominent lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor. Lukwago was reportedly taken from his home by individuals in military attire, an act later confirmed by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who stated Lukwago was in military detention.

This incident has drawn parallels to previous abductions of opposition figures, fueling concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Uganda. At the time of his arrest, Lukwago was reportedly preparing to serve Gen. Muhoozi with a court order related to a human rights violation case filed by Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Political leaders, including Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) of the National Unity Platform (NUP), have denounced the abduction as “absurd” and a clear act of impunity. Kyagulanyi drew comparisons to the treatment of other opposition activists, accusing Gen. Muhoozi of orchestrating the arrest.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president Patrick Amuriat Oboi stated that the country has reached a “climax” in the erosion of the rule of law, evoking memories of past eras characterized by disappearances. Similarly, Alice Alaso, Secretary General of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), described the event as a return to a “reign of terror” and questioned the extent of Gen. Muhoozi’s apparent assumption of state power.

The Uganda Peoples’ Congress (UPC) Secretary General, Fred Ebil, also expressed deep concern, urging the government and security forces to avoid actions that could drag the country back to the dark days of the 1970s. The Justice Forum (Jeema) party issued a statement demanding Lukwago’s unconditional release within 24 hours, emphasizing that no one is above the law and calling on citizens to defend the dignity and rule of law in Uganda.

The abductions are viewed by many as a tactic to instill fear and silence dissenting voices, particularly as Gen. Muhoozi publicly declares his presidential ambitions, seemingly disregarding established legal and political norms. The opposition insists that Uganda is not a private estate and that all citizens are equal before the law.

Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/opposition-unite-against-lukwago-s-abduction-5499194