mprisoned Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago Speaks: “My Lord, Kindly Take Me Without a Lot of Pain”
KAMPALA, UGANDA — Imprisoned former Kampala Lord Mayor and opposition politician Erias Lukwago has spoken from detention in an emotional statement in which he turned to God while reflecting on his suffering and uncertainty.
“If you are to take me, my Lord, the God who created me, kindly take me without a lot of pain.” — Erias Lukwago
The statement comes more than three months after Lukwago was arrested in a dramatic security operation at his home in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, Kampala, on June 15, 2026.
Arrested at his home
Lukwago was arrested in the early hours of June 15 after security operatives surrounded his residence. Reports at the time said he had told people that his home was surrounded by security personnel and vehicles, including what Ugandans commonly refer to as “drones.”
According to Ugandan media reports, the operatives eventually entered the compound and took Lukwago into custody. His family and lawyers initially did not know where he had been taken.
The circumstances of the arrest attracted widespread attention because Lukwago was, at the time, serving as a lawyer for detained opposition leader Kizza Besigye, while also representing Besigye in a separate legal matter involving Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
For more than 48 hours, Lukwago’s whereabouts remained unclear. The human-rights organisations FIDH and OMCT later described the episode as an alleged enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention, while documenting that he was subsequently transferred to police custody and brought before court.
Charged with misprision of treason
On June 17, Lukwago was brought before a magistrate’s court and charged with misprision of treason, an offence relating to allegedly failing to report knowledge of treasonous activities.
Lukwago denied the charge and was remanded to Luzira Prison.
The case is connected to the wider treason proceedings involving Besigye and his aide Obeid Lutale, whom Lukwago has represented as a defence lawyer.
His detention has generated criticism from lawyers, opposition politicians and human-rights organisations, particularly over the circumstances of his initial arrest and the period during which his whereabouts were unknown.
Bail attempts and health concerns
Lukwago has since made several attempts to secure his release on bail. In August, Daily Monitor reported that he had filed a third bail application, arguing that more than 60 days had passed since his remand without the commencement of his trial.
His health has also featured in the proceedings. In June, prison authorities told court that he could not be produced because he was undergoing specialised medical investigations and treatment.
A subsequent court record states that he was examined by medical specialists at Mulago Hospital, who recommended specialised spinal treatment in India.
As of September 30, Lukwago remains in custody as the legal proceedings continue.
‘My Lord, the God who created me’
Against that background, Lukwago’s latest words carry a deeply personal tone.
His appeal to God — asking that if his life is to be taken, it should happen without prolonged pain — reflects the distress expressed in his words while he remains imprisoned and awaits the next stages of his case.
Lukwago has been one of Uganda’s prominent opposition lawyers and political figures for years. He served as Kampala Lord Mayor from 2011 until his defeat in the January 2026 elections and previously represented Kampala Central in Parliament.
His current detention has therefore placed both his political career and his legal work at the centre of a closely watched case involving Uganda’s opposition, the military and the country’s justice system.
The prosecution allegations against Lukwago remain before the courts, and he has denied the charge against him. His latest statement has now added a personal and religious dimension to a case that has already attracted significant national and international attention.
