Fresh controversy has emerged over the detention of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago after his lawyer and former Busiro East MP, Medard Lubega Sseggona, alleged that the opposition leader was subjected to degrading treatment while in custody.
Speaking to journalists at Mankidye Magistrate’s Court, Sseggona raised concerns about Lukwago’s health, dignity, and overall well-being, claiming that his client endured harsh conditions following his arrest.
According to Sseggona, Lukwago was forcibly shaved using an unsanitized razor or shaving machine, an act he described as both humiliating and potentially harmful to his health. He further alleged that Lukwago was repeatedly served food that did not meet his medical dietary requirements.
“Lukwago was fed food that was inconsistent with his prescribed diet, which worsened his condition,” Sseggona said, adding that concerns remain over the opposition leader’s access to proper healthcare while in detention.
The lawyer also made more serious allegations, claiming that Lukwago was compelled to wear a National Resistance Movement (NRM) shirt bearing President Yoweri Museveni’s image. According to Sseggona, photographs were allegedly taken while Lukwago was naked, a development he said amounted to a violation of his client’s dignity and human rights.
The allegations have sparked renewed debate about the treatment of political detainees in Uganda, with supporters and critics weighing in on the claims. Questions have also been raised about Lukwago’s initial detention in an undisclosed location before he was eventually presented in court.
Lukwago, a prominent opposition politician and one of the defense lawyers representing Dr. Kizza Besigye in an ongoing treason case, was arrested by security operatives at his home on June 15, 2026. He was later charged with misprision of treason before being produced before court.
The claims by Sseggona have further intensified public discussion surrounding the treatment of opposition figures, access to legal representation, medical care for detainees, and broader governance concerns ahead of the 2026 general elections.
As calls for accountability continue to grow, authorities had not publicly responded to the allegations by the time of publication
