A photograph shared by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba showing former Kampala Lord Mayor and senior lawyer Erias Lukwago apparently blindfolded while in detention has sparked a storm of condemnation from opposition leaders, lawyers and ordinary Ugandans.The image, posted on Gen. Muhoozi’s official X account on Monday, surfaced only hours after reports emerged that military operatives had arrested Lukwago from his home in Wakaliga.
Accompanying the photograph was the brief caption, “Ongea Kiswahili”—Swahili for “Speak Swahili.” Within minutes, the image had gone viral, drawing thousands of reactions and raising fresh concerns over the treatment of political opponents in Uganda.
A DISTURBING IMAGE
The photograph portrays a visibly weakened Lukwago seated alone in what appears to be a tiled room. A black-and-white cloth is tied tightly across his eyes, completely blindfolding him. Wearing a plain white T-shirt, the veteran lawyer appears exhausted and frail as he sits with his hands clasped together in front of his chest.
In the photograph, Lukwago is seen seated alone inside what appears to be a tiled room. A black-and-white cloth is tightly tied across his eyes, completely covering them. Dressed in a plain white T-shirt, the veteran lawyer appears visibly frail, with his hands clasped together in front of his chest. No security officers are visible in the picture, leaving many Ugandans questioning where exactly he was being held and under what conditions.
No security personnel are visible in the image, making it impossible to determine the exact location where it was taken or the circumstances under which the photograph was captured.For many observers, the image immediately shifted attention from the legality of Lukwago’s arrest to concerns about his safety and wellbeing.
MUHOOZI’S SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
The photograph followed a series of social media posts by Gen. Muhoozi that appeared to acknowledge Lukwago’s detention.Earlier in the day, the CDF wrote that he had “captured a fool and taken him to the basement,” before later posting that the detainee would “learn Kiswahili.”
In another message, he appeared to refer to ongoing legal proceedings involving Lukwago and opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, stating that anyone attempting to serve him court papers would also face arrest. The comments quickly fuelled political debate across the country.
OPPOSITION CONDEMNS ARREST
National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, strongly condemned Lukwago’s arrest and the publication of the photograph.
He said the senior lawyer had been violently arrested while preparing to serve court summons on Gen. Muhoozi in connection with an ongoing human rights case.After the blindfolded image emerged, Bobi Wine accused the authorities of displaying what he described as impunity and warned that if such treatment could be directed at one of Uganda’s most senior lawyers, ordinary citizens remained even more vulnerable.
National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, accused the government of escalating what he described as state lawlessness.”I have just learnt of the violent abduction this morning of former Kampala Lord Mayor Advocate Erias Lukwago as he prepared to serve court summons upon Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba,” Bobi Wine posted on X.He alleged that military personnel raided Lukwago’s home in Wakaliga before taking him away in a white van commonly referred to by Ugandans as a “drone.”
According to Bobi Wine, Lukwago’s arrest was linked to his role as one of the lead lawyers representing Dr. Kizza Besigye in the ongoing treason case and in a separate human rights case challenging Besigye’s arrest in Nairobi and transfer to Uganda.”I call upon all of us to reject and resist this brazen impunity. Uganda will be free,” Bobi Wine wrote.He also called for accountability and urged Ugandans to resist what he termed growing state lawlessness.
HEALTH CONCERNS INTENSIFY
The photograph also revived concerns over Lukwago’s health. The veteran lawyer has previously travelled abroad for specialised medical treatment and has in recent months appeared visibly unwell during several public engagements.
Journalist Canary Mugume recalled interviewing Lukwago on NBS Television’s Face Off programme and revealed that the interview had to be paused several times because the lawyer struggled to breathe.The latest image, showing Lukwago looking physically weak, prompted many Ugandans to question whether he was receiving appropriate medical attention while in custody.
LAWYERS RAISE ALARM
Members of Uganda’s legal fraternity also reacted strongly. Uganda Law Society president Isaac Ssemakadde said the arrest highlighted what he described as growing military interference in the country’s justice system.
He argued that lawyers representing politically sensitive clients increasingly faced intimidation while carrying out their professional duties.Several lawyers and human rights activists echoed similar concerns, saying the arrest could have a chilling effect on legal practice and access to justice.
QUESTIONS REMAIN UNANSWERED
By Monday evening, there had been no official statement explaining the legal basis for Lukwago’s detention.
Security agencies had also not publicly disclosed where he was being held, whether he had been formally charged, or whether he had been granted access to his family, lawyers or medical personnel.
As the blindfolded photograph continued circulating widely online, pressure mounted on authorities to account for Lukwago’s whereabouts and condition.For many Ugandans, the image has become one of the most talked-about political photographs of the year, intensifying scrutiny over the treatment of opposition leaders and lawyers involved in high-profile cases.
LEGAL BATTLE AT THE CENTRE
The arrest comes as the High Court recently directed Gen. Muhoozi and other respondents to file their defence in the constitutional petition brought by Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale.
The petition challenges public statements allegedly made by the CDF and contests the legality of Besigye’s arrest in Nairobi and subsequent transfer to Uganda.Opposition politicians have alleged that Monday’s operation was intended to prevent Lukwago from serving court papers in the case, although security agencies had not publicly responded to that allegation.
PRESSURE MOUNTS FOR ANSWERS
By Monday evening, neither the Uganda People’s Defence Forces nor the Special Forces Command had explained the legal basis for Lukwago’s arrest, where he was being held, whether he had been formally charged, or whether he had been granted access to lawyers, family members or medical personnel.
As images of the blindfolded lawyer continued circulating online, attention shifted beyond politics to urgent questions about his welfare, health and treatment while in military custody.
With condemnation pouring in from opposition leaders, lawyers and civil society activists, Lukwago’s arrest has once again thrust Uganda’s justice system, civil liberties and the role of the military in civilian affairs into the national spotlight.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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