Former Kampala Lord Mayor and veteran opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago has finally been produced before Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court after days of uncertainty following his dramatic arrest by armed security personnel.
Lukwago, who is also the lead lawyer for detained opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, appeared visibly weak, thinner and with a completely shaved head as he was formally charged with misprision of treason alongside Dr. Besigye, Frank Kihehere, Joel Wakayima, Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya and others.
The offence of misprision of treason refers to allegedly failing to report knowledge of plans to overthrow or unlawfully change the government.His appearance immediately sparked fresh outrage among supporters, lawyers, politicians and human rights activists who questioned the circumstances under which he had been detained.
PICKED FROM HOME
Lukwago’s latest legal troubles began in the early hours of Monday when armed military personnel reportedly raided his home in Wakaliga before forcefully arresting him.
According to his legal team, security officers did not immediately disclose where he had been taken, triggering anxiety among family members, fellow lawyers and opposition supporters.For hours, there was uncertainty over his whereabouts before it later emerged that he had been transferred to Kira Division Police Headquarters, where he was held under heavy security.
Outside the police station, journalists, relatives and political supporters gathered hoping to see him or obtain information about his condition. However, police dispersed the crowd.One officer reportedly justified the action by saying the gathering was disrupting normal operations and discouraging other members of the public from accessing police services.
FRAIL APPEARANCE RAISES ALARM
When Lukwago was finally brought before Makindye Court, many were shocked by his physical appearance. The veteran lawyer appeared noticeably frail.
His head had been shaved completely bald, while his face looked thinner than usual, with visible signs of exhaustion. His beard appeared unevenly trimmed and grey stubble covered parts of his jaw. Observers who have known Lukwago for years remarked that he looked significantly weakened compared to his condition just days before his arrest.
The images circulating online immediately fuelled speculation over the conditions under which he had been held. Neither security agencies nor prosecutors publicly explained why his head had been shaved.
EMOTIONAL MOMENT WITH WIFE
Perhaps the most touching moment of the day came inside the courtroom before proceedings officially began. Lukwago shared a quiet, emotional conversation with his wife.
The couple leaned close to each other as they spoke softly. His wife, dressed in a white floral outfit with a deep maroon head wrap and dark sunglasses, listened attentively while Lukwago whispered into her ear. The intimate exchange appeared to offer comfort amid the tense courtroom atmosphere. Around them, supporters watched silently as the couple embraced emotionally before the hearing continued.The touching moment quickly spread across social media, with many describing it as one of the most heartbreaking images from the day’s proceedings.
LAWYERS PUSH FOR BAIL
Lukwago’s legal team, led by Hon. Medard Ssegona, immediately announced that they were seeking bail on health grounds.The lawyers argued that their client’s deteriorating physical condition required urgent medical attention and that continued detention could worsen his health.
As proceedings continued, supporters anxiously waited to hear whether the court would grant him temporary freedom pending trial. By press time, the bail application was still being considered.
NSEREKO STANDS BY LUKWAGO
Former Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko publicly expressed solidarity with the detained lawyer. “Counsel Erias Lukwago is my friend and brother. I cannot abandon him in these times,” Nsereko said.His statement added to a growing chorus of political leaders demanding fair treatment for Lukwago regardless of political differences.
SOCIAL MEDIA EXPLODES
As photographs from court spread online, Ugandans flooded X with mixed reactions. Some condemned what they viewed as abuse of state power.
“Uganda is bleeding. Someone’s family just wake up to decide anyone’s fate in this country. Quite absurd,” wrote one user identified as Kenneth.Another commentator, Chaos Court, described the case as “an abuse of court process.”
Arafa Kamoga questioned the continued use of the charge, writing, “Better help us under misprision of treason!! Otherwise, this can’t be a country we call home!”
Another user, Atocon Moses, condemned the alleged mistreatment, saying those responsible would eventually answer for their actions. Others simply prayed for Lukwago’s recovery.”God have mercy,” wrote Kîgézí Príncé. However, not everyone sympathised with the veteran lawyer. One commenter, Kabazookye Andrew, celebrated the developments, claiming Lukwago had been “taught a lesson,” illustrating the sharply divided opinions surrounding the case.
QUESTIONS CONTINUE
The arrest has also reignited debate over the relationship between military operations and civilian criminal proceedings.Several political commentators questioned why security agencies initially withheld information regarding Lukwago’s whereabouts before eventually producing him in court.
Others argued that suspects should be promptly presented before court and granted access to lawyers and family in accordance with constitutional safeguards.Human rights advocates have also raised concerns over the treatment of detainees and called for independent investigations into allegations of mistreatment while in custody.
BESIGYE CASE EXPANDS
Lukwago’s prosecution comes as authorities continue pursuing several individuals linked to the broader case involving Dr. Kizza Besigye.
By adding Lukwago to the list of accused persons, prosecutors have significantly widened one of the country’s most politically sensitive criminal cases. Legal analysts say the coming weeks are likely to attract intense public attention as courts consider bail applications, examine the evidence and determine how the case proceeds.
For now, however, it was not the legal arguments that captured the nation’s attention.Instead, it was the image of a once energetic courtroom advocate—his head shaved, appearing visibly weakened—leaning toward his wife for what could only be described as a brief moment of reassurance before once again facing the weight of the law.
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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