Muhoozi On Torturing Erias Lukwago: He keeps saying ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry’

Public condemnation has intensified following the arrest of opposition leader and senior lawyer Erias Lukwago, after Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Muhoozi Kainerugaba posted a series of social media messages appearing to mock the detained politician and suggesting he was being subjected to harsh treatment.

Lukwago, the President of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and former Kampala Lord Mayor, was reportedly arrested in the early hours of Monday. The circumstances of his detention remained unclear by Monday evening, with authorities yet to issue a formal statement detailing the reasons for his arrest or where he is being held.

However, a succession of posts by Gen. Muhoozi on X drew widespread criticism from opposition leaders, lawyers and political parties.

In one post accompanied by a photograph of Lukwago appearing distressed, Muhoozi wrote: “He keeps saying ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry’. It won’t help him now.”

Another image showed Lukwago blindfolded, prompting further concern from critics and human rights advocates.

Earlier in the day, Muhoozi had posted: “This one will learn Kiswahili.” He later followed with additional remarks, including claims that Lukwago had “urinated like three times already” and that “this one needs diapers.”

The army chief also vowed that the detained politician would not sleep that night.
“This fool will not sleep tonight. Kiboko mpaka. Now they know who they are fighting,” he wrote.

In another post, apparently responding to reports that Lukwago had sought to serve him with court summons, Muhoozi stated: “Only Mzee can summon me. This fool will learn the lesson he has been begging for.”

The comments have sparked alarm among legal practitioners and opposition figures, who argue that they undermine due process and raise concerns about the treatment of detainees.

Opposition Condemns Arrest

Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, president of the National Unity Platform, accused the government of targeting political opponents and violating fundamental rights.

“Uganda in 2026! Museveni’s son just released a picture of his captive, Advocate Erias Lukwago. Blindfolded! His crime? Attempting to serve him court summons!” Bobi Wine wrote on social media.

He added that if such treatment could be meted out to a senior lawyer and former Lord Mayor, ordinary opposition supporters faced even greater risks.

“The world must not look on. There will be accountability for these crimes against humanity. It’s only a matter of time,” he said.
Lawyers Rally Behind Lukwago

The legal fraternity also reacted strongly to the arrest.

Isaac Ssemakadde, President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), described the incident as an attack on the entire legal profession.
“An attack on one advocate is an attack on the entire Bar and on the rule of law itself,” Ssemakadde said.

ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe argued that any intimidation or obstruction of a lawyer carrying out professional duties was unconstitutional.

“The act of intimidation, harassment and obstruction of a lawyer in the discharge of his professional duties is unconstitutional,” Asiimwe said.

He cited constitutional provisions governing the subordination of the military to civilian authority and international principles protecting the independence of lawyers.
“This action is a direct assault on the rule of law and constitutional order,” he added.

FDC Demands Due Process

The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) also condemned what it described as Lukwago’s abduction and called for adherence to legal procedures.

“We stand firmly against extrajudicial arrests, abductions and any form of enforced disappearance,” the party said in a statement.

“If he has a case to answer, let him be arraigned before a court of law and let due process be followed.”

Growing Questions

The incident has reignited debate over the conduct of security agencies, the independence of the legal profession and respect for constitutional rights in Uganda.

Legal observers note that Lukwago is not only a prominent opposition politician but also a Senior Counsel and one of the country’s most recognizable advocates.

His arrest, coupled with the publication of photographs and taunting comments by the country’s top military officer, has raised questions about detainee rights, presumption of innocence and adherence to due process.

By Monday night, neither security agencies nor government officials had publicly responded to the growing criticism or clarified the legal basis for Lukwago’s detention.