Former Kampala Lord Mayor and senior lawyer, Hon. Erias Lukwago has been formally charged with misprision of treason and has strongly denied the allegations, insisting that he was simply carrying out his professional duties as a legal representative.
Lukwago appeared before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on June 17, 2026, where Chief Magistrate Ann Sarah Basemera read the charge against him. During the court session, which was recorded on video, Lukwago rejected the accusations and entered a plea of not guilty.
Addressing the court, Lukwago maintained that his involvement in the matter was solely in his capacity as a lawyer representing clients, including opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale.
The court appearance came just two days after armed security operatives reportedly arrested Lukwago from his Wakaliga residence on June 15. His whereabouts remained unknown for several hours following the arrest, triggering concern among family members, colleagues, supporters, and members of the legal fraternity.
Reports surrounding the case indicate that Lukwago was allegedly held incommunicado at an undisclosed location later referred to by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba as his “basement” before being transferred to Kira Division Police Station and eventually presented before court.
His prosecution has further heightened political tensions surrounding the continued detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye, who has spent more than 500 days in custody on treason-related charges.
Opposition figures, lawyers, and human rights activists have questioned the timing of Lukwago’s arrest, noting that it occurred while he was actively leading Besigye’s legal defense in one of Uganda’s most closely watched political cases.
The development has attracted widespread public attention, with legal observers and political analysts closely monitoring the proceedings. As the case unfolds, the prosecution of one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition lawyers is expected to remain at the center of national debate.
More details are expected as court proceedings continue.
