Erias Lukwago moved to Kira Police on treason charges after 2-Day Military detention

17 June 2026, 4:04 pm

By Frank Oyugi

KAMPALA — Former Kampala Lord Mayor and People’s Front for Freedom President Erias Lukwago was Wednesday morning transferred to civilian custody at Kira Division Police Headquarters, ending what his lawyers call a “controversial” 48-hour military detention.

He now faces treason and misprision of treason charges.

The Transfer

Armed security personnel dropped Lukwago off at Kira Police Station on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. His legal partner, Medard Lubega Sseggona, has been granted access to him. Other political allies and supporters remain blocked at the station gates, according to witnesses at the scene.

How It Unfolded

Lukwago was picked up from his Wakaliga residence on Monday, June 15, while reportedly preparing to serve court summons on Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The summons related to a civil suit filed by Dr. Kizza Besigye over alleged online life threats.

The transfer to civilian police followed a string of social media posts by Gen. Muhoozi, who claimed he was handing Lukwago over after being “persuaded” by his wife, Charlotte.

The ChargesPolice Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed the state has preferred two capital charges against the senior lawyer:

Treason and Misprision of Treason

Court documents link Lukwago to the ongoing treason case against his client, Dr. Kizza Besigye. Prosecution alleges involvement in illegal meetings and soliciting foreign paramilitary funding.

Legal Backlash

The Uganda Law Society and international human rights lawyers have condemned the military operation.

They describe Lukwago’s detention as an extrajudicial abduction that threatens judicial independence and the safety of legal practitioners.

“Arresting a lawyer for executing court process strikes at the heart of the rule of law,” a ULS statement read.

What’s Next?

Lukwago remains in custody at Kira Division Police as legal teams prepare his defense. The case is directly tied to the broader treason trial of Dr. Besigye