MILITARY OVERREACH? Erias Lukwago Denied Bail and Remanded to Luzira Prison Over Misprision of Treason Charges
KAMPALA, Uganda — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the East African legal and political landscape, former Kampala Lord Mayor and current People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) leader Erias Lukwago has been denied bail by the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court. The prominent lawyer remains on remand at Luzira Prison following a high-profile military arrest that has drawn condemnation from international human rights watchdogs and the Uganda Law Society.
The Charges and Bail Denial
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera, Lukwago faces charges of misprision of treason under Section 25 of the Penal Code Act. State prosecutors allege that Lukwago failed to report a treasonous plot supposedly planned between 2021 and 2024. The state explicitly linked his case to that of veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, whom Lukwago was actively representing as lead defense counsel before his own abduction.
Despite his legal team applying for bail on severe medical grounds—citing hypertension, gastritis, and a chronic spinal condition—the court rejected the application.
“Lukwago’s extensive professional, political, and social network… cannot be ignored in assessing the potential impact of his release at this particular stage of the proceedings,” Magistrate Basemera ruled, citing a potential risk of interference with ongoing investigations.
The Controversial Arrest
Lukwago’s legal troubles began on June 15, 2026, when armed soldiers forcibly took him from his residence. The raid occurred shortly after Lukwago attempted to legally serve the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, with court papers regarding the alleged violation of Besigye’s rights.
Following the arrest, Gen. Kainerugaba posted controversial social media messages confirming the detention, vowing to inflict “hurt and pain,” and sharing images of a blindfolded Lukwago. The images and statements sparked immediate outrage, with Lukwago’s wife, Zawedde Lukwago, publicly comparing the state’s tactics to the dark days of the Idi Amin dictatorship.
Key Details of the Court’s Directive
While bail was denied, the court issued several strict health directives regarding Lukwago’s welfare:
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Medical Evaluation: Specialised medical practitioners at Mulago National Referral Hospital are ordered to conduct an official clinical assessment of his condition.
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Access Allowed: The court directed that Lukwago’s wife and one chosen advocate be permitted reasonable access during his medical referral process.
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Prison Healthcare: The officer in charge of Murchison Bay Prison must ensure Lukwago receives all prescribed medications while awaiting his next appearance.
A Climate of Fear
Human rights organizations, including ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa, have strongly condemned the state’s actions, calling it a direct assault on the independence of the legal profession. Critics point out the chilling precedent of arresting a defense attorney for executing his professional duties on behalf of an opposition client.
The Uganda Law Society has also demanded his immediate release, characterizing the military’s involvement as a direct contempt of established judicial processes. Lukwago is scheduled to return to court on June 30, 2026, a date that intentionally coincides with the High Court treason trial of his client, Kizza Besigye
