Politics 18 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
State presents evidence linking Erias Lukwago to misprision of treason
Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been charged with misprision of treason. The prosecution alleges he knew about treasonous plans by Dr. Kizza Besigye and others but failed to report them. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/state-evidence-linking-lukwago-to-misprision-of-treason-charge-5500422
Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago is facing a charge of misprision of treason, a legal offense involving the knowledge of treasonous activities and the deliberate failure to report them to authorities. This charge comes after Lukwago was reportedly abducted from his home.
Misprision of treason, distinct from treason itself, does not require active participation in alleged plots but rather the intentional concealment of information. Under Ugandan law, individuals can be charged if they are aware of treasonous plans and do not disclose this information promptly to designated officials like ministers, magistrates, or police officers.
The prosecution claims that between 2021 and November 2024, Lukwago possessed knowledge of treasonous intentions by figures including Dr. Kizza Besigye, Joel Wakayima, Frank Kihehere Atukunda, and Obeid Lutale, yet he did not report this to the relevant authorities.
Evidence presented to the court includes a witness statement from an American national, Andrew Wilson, also known as Orlando. Wilson’s testimony details alleged interactions concerning plans to gather intelligence on government officials and supporters. During these accounts, Lukwago’s name is mentioned in connection with a proposed meeting in Brussels, which Wilson states included plans to invite Lukwago, among other opposition figures.
However, Wilson’s statement does not assert that Lukwago attended this meeting or any subsequent gatherings, nor does it allege Lukwago’s participation in discussions about militant activities or destabilizing the government. The allegations of setting up militant networks appear in separate contexts within Wilson’s statement, related to different individuals.
The offense of misprision of treason carries a penalty of up to life imprisonment, whereas treason can be punishable by death. This charge is notably rare in Uganda and often invoked in politically sensitive cases involving national security threats.