Written By | Staff Writer
Picture posted on Muhoozi Kainerugaba's X handle as Lukwago in the basement
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KAMPALA
Former Kampala Lord Mayor and senior opposition politician Erias Lukwago was arrested on Monday morning by security operatives at his home in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, Kampala, in circumstances that have sparked widespread political controversy.
According to eyewitness accounts and opposition sources, heavily armed security personnel reportedly surrounded Lukwago's residence before taking him away to an undisclosed location. Reports indicate that the operatives scaled the perimeter fence after Lukwago allegedly declined to open the gate.
By Monday afternoon, Lukwago's whereabouts remained unknown, and no official charges had been announced. Police spokespersons distanced the force from the operation, with reports suggesting that the arrest was carried out by personnel attached to the Special Forces Command (SFC), although the military had not issued an official statement by press time.
The arrest comes amid heightened tensions surrounding a legal case involving opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. Lukwago has been serving as lead counsel in proceedings linked to alleged threats made against Besigye by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Sources close to the legal team said preparations were underway to serve court documents on Gen. Muhoozi when the arrest occurred.
Shortly after reports of Lukwago's detention emerged, social media posts attributed to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba appeared to reference the arrest. In the posts, the CDF reportedly claimed to have "captured" Lukwago and made remarks suggesting that anyone attempting to serve him with court papers would also be arrested. 
The posts, which quickly attracted widespread attention, have intensified public debate over the relationship between the military and civilian legal processes.
Opposition political parties, including the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), National Unity Platform (NUP), and the People's Front for Freedom (PFF), condemned the arrest, describing it as an act of intimidation and a violation of the rule of law.
Several civil society organisations also expressed concern over Lukwago's safety and called on authorities to disclose his whereabouts and ensure that his constitutional rights are respected.
The incident adds to growing political tensions as Uganda approaches another electoral cycle, with critics raising concerns about the role of security agencies in political and legal disputes.
By press time, government and military authorities had not provided details regarding the reasons for Lukwago's detention, his location, or whether he would be formally charged.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as political leaders, legal practitioners, and human rights groups continue to demand answers regarding his arrest.
