Former Kampala Lord Mayor and acting President of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Erias Lukwago, has finally been produced before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court and charged with misprision of treason following his arrest earlier this week.
Lukwago was arraigned before court on Wednesday under heavy security after spending nearly two days in detention following his arrest by operatives attached to the Special Forces Command (SFC) at his home in Nalukolongo on Monday morning.
The offence of misprision of treason relates to knowingly concealing information about treason or failing to report knowledge of a planned or committed act of treason to the relevant authorities.
Before his court appearance, Lukwago was taken to Kira Police Station in Wakiso District where he reportedly recorded a statement shortly before being transferred to Makindye for formal arraignment.
The veteran opposition politician was represented by a team of lawyers led by Medard Lubega Ssegona and including Sam Muyizi and Mathias Mpuuga, among others. The defence team immediately moved to apply for bail following the reading of the charges.
Lukwago’s appearance in court brought an end to days of uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts after family members, lawyers and political allies raised concerns over his detention and limited access to him.
His arrest generated widespread public debate, particularly after a series of posts published on a social media account associated with Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba suggested that Lukwago had been taken into custody and was being held in a basement facility on the General’s orders.
Authorities have not publicly commented on the claims contained in the social media posts.
A number of opposition leaders, political associates and supporters turned up at court to show solidarity with Lukwago. Among those present were National Unity Platform Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya, Kampala Woman Councillor Zahara Luyirika, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko, Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana and Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura.
The case has attracted significant political and legal attention given Lukwago’s role as one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figures and his involvement in the legal defence team of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Court proceedings are expected to continue as the defence pursues bail while prosecutors proceed with investigations related to the charge.
The charge against Lukwago comes amid heightened political tensions and growing scrutiny of ongoing cases involving leading opposition figures in Uganda.
By Charles Katabalwa
17th June 2026
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