Before he was eventually produced before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court and charged with misprision of treason, the family and lawyers of former Kampala Lord Mayor and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) President Erias Lukwago had moved to the High Court seeking his immediate release through a habeas corpus application.
The application, filed earlier on Wednesday, sought orders compelling security agencies to produce Lukwago before court and explain the legal basis of his detention following his arrest earlier this week.
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General were named as respondents in the case.
Through his lawyers, Lukwago argued that he was being held unlawfully and incommunicado, with no access to his family members, legal representatives or medical care.
The legal team asked the High Court to order his immediate and unconditional release, contending that his continued detention violated his constitutional rights and protections guaranteed under Ugandan law.
According to court documents, the application was supported by an affidavit sworn by Lukwago’s wife, who detailed the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
She stated that in the early hours of Monday, June 15, armed men dressed in Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) uniforms allegedly raided the family’s residence in Lubaga.
According to her account, the operatives surrounded the premises, scaled the perimeter wall, forced their way into the compound and seized Lukwago as he prepared to leave home for a scheduled television appearance.
The affidavit further states that the security personnel did not provide a clear explanation regarding the reasons for the arrest or where he was being taken.
The family subsequently embarked on efforts to trace his whereabouts, raising concerns about his safety and wellbeing after reportedly being denied access to him for nearly two days.
The habeas corpus application came amid growing public concern and demands from opposition leaders, lawyers and human rights activists who questioned the legality of Lukwago’s detention and called on authorities to either produce him before court or release him.
Hours after the application was filed, Lukwago was presented before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court under tight security and charged with misprision of treason.
Prosecutors allege that he failed to report knowledge of an alleged treason plot involving opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and others.
His lawyers have challenged the charge, arguing that the information in question was obtained in the course of his professional duties as an advocate and is protected by lawyer-client privilege.
The court later remanded Lukwago to Luzira Prison until Monday as the State verifies medical evidence submitted in support of his bail application.
Although his production before court may have rendered parts of the habeas corpus application overtaken by events, the circumstances of his arrest and detention are likely to remain a subject of legal and public scrutiny as the case progresses.
By Charles Katabalwa
17th June 2026
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