Ugandan security operatives have detained prominent opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago, a senior member of the defence team representing jailed opposition leader Kizza Besigye, in a move that has sharply escalated political tensions surrounding one of the country’s most closely watched treason trials.
According to statements from opposition figures and reporting by international and local media, Lukwago was taken from his home in Kampala in the early hours of Sunday by armed personnel. He was then transported to an undisclosed location, with authorities yet to provide a public explanation for the detention or confirm any formal charges.
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Besigye’s political platform, said Lukwago was effectively “abducted,” demanding his immediate release and warning that the operation represented a direct interference in ongoing judicial proceedings. Legal and political voices aligned with the opposition have echoed concerns, arguing that the arrest undermines the ability of Besigye’s defence team to function freely during a politically sensitive trial.
Lukwago, a former Kampala Lord Mayor and one of Uganda’s most recognisable opposition figures, has played a central role in Besigye’s defence strategy in a treason case that has stretched the country’s judicial and political systems for months. The proceedings, stemming from allegations that Besigye attempted to undermine state security, have become a focal point of confrontation between government institutions and opposition actors.
Court activity in the case has continued in parallel with rising political friction, with defence lawyers previously raising concerns over access to clients, disclosure of evidence, and the pace of hearings. Lukwago’s detention now introduces a new layer of uncertainty into an already sensitive legal process, particularly given his dual role as both legal counsel and political leader.
Government authorities have not issued a detailed statement explaining the circumstances of the arrest, leaving open questions about whether it is directly linked to the treason case or to separate allegations. That silence has intensified criticism from opposition groups, who argue the timing points to a broader pattern of pressure on Besigye’s support network.
The development comes amid a broader climate of political tension following Uganda’s 2026 election period, with opposition leaders warning of shrinking space for dissent and increased targeting of figures associated with high-profile legal challenges against the state.
