Former Kampala City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago charged with misprision of treason, remanded to June 22

Former Kampala Lord Mayor and senior opposition politician Erias Lukwago has been charged with misprision of treason and remanded to prison until June 22 after appearing before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Lukwago, who also serves as lead counsel in the treason case involving opposition veteran Kizza Besigye, denied the charges when they were read to him in court.

The charge of misprision of treason relates to the alleged failure to report knowledge of plans to overthrow or unlawfully change the authority of government.

Prosecutors linked Lukwago to an ongoing treason case in which several individuals, including Dr. Besigye, are accused. According to court proceedings, Lukwago has been jointly charged alongside Dr. Besigye, Frank Kihehere, Joel Wakayima and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, among others.

The court subsequently remanded him until June 22.

Arrest and Detention

Lukwago’s appearance in court comes days after his arrest on June 15.

According to his supporters and political allies, the former Lord Mayor was picked up from his home in Wakaliga by operatives attached to the Special Forces Command (SFC) before being handed over to police custody.

Following his arrest, he was held at Kira Division Police Station, where concerns were raised by family members, lawyers and supporters over restrictions on access to him.

Earlier on Wednesday, Francis Mwijukye, the Deputy Treasurer of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), said a group of Lukwago’s friends and supporters had been denied access to him despite what he described as an earlier understanding with police that visitors would be allowed.

According to Mwijukye, only Lukwago’s lawyer, Medard Lubega Ssegona, and his wife were granted access.

Images circulating on social media showed Lukwago’s wife, Zawedde Lubwama Lukwago, waiting outside Kira Division Police Headquarters after reportedly being denied entry.

Health Concerns Raised

Lukwago’s legal team raised concerns about his health during court proceedings.

Counsel Medard Lubega Ssegona asked the court that if his client was not granted bail, he should at least be allowed to have an orthopedic mattress due to an existing back condition.

Earlier, Dr. Mathias Ssenyondo, identified as Lukwago’s personal physician, told journalists that he had been denied access to his patient while attempting to assess his medical condition at Kira Police Station.

The defense team also sought bail on health grounds, arguing that Lukwago requires specialized medical attention.

Political Reactions

The case has attracted widespread attention from opposition leaders and supporters, who have questioned both the circumstances of Lukwago’s arrest and his subsequent detention.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, criticized what he described as growing concerns over human rights and the rule of law.

Ssenyonyi also questioned why President Yoweri Museveni had not taken action against Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba over alleged threats and conduct that opposition leaders say undermines constitutional order.

“When are you going to take action against this son of yours?” Ssenyonyi asked.

Former Deputy Lord Mayor of Kampala, Doreen Nyanjura, confirmed that Lukwago had been formally charged alongside other accused persons connected to the treason case.

Awaiting Next Court Appearance

The case now joins a growing list of politically sensitive prosecutions involving opposition figures ahead of Uganda’s next electoral cycle.

Lukwago remains in custody pending his next appearance in court on June 22, when proceedings in the matter are expected to continue and the court could consider applications relating to his detention and medical condition.

Government and security agencies had not publicly commented on the allegations regarding restrictions on access to the detained politician by the time of filing this report.