PFF leader and veteran opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago has been remanded to Luzira Prison until Monday, June 22, 2026, when the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court will mention his case and deliver its ruling on his bail application.The former Kampala Lord Mayor, who is also the lead lawyer for detained opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, was finally produced in court after days of uncertainty following his dramatic arrest by armed security personnel.
Lukwago 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 sought bail on health grounds.The defence argued that their client’s deteriorating physical condition required urgent medical attention and that continued detention could worsen his health. They urged the court to release him pending trial.
However, after hearing submissions from both the defence and prosecution, the court deferred its decision on the bail application.
The Chief Magistrate remanded Lukwago to Luzira Prison until Monday, June 22, 2026, when the court will both mention the case and deliver its ruling on whether he should be granted bail.As prison officers escorted him from the courtroom, supporters looked on in silence while others chanted messages of encouragement, insisting that the veteran lawyer should not lose hope.
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.
Attention will now turn to Monday, June 22, when the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court is expected to determine whether Lukwago will be released on bail or remain on remand as investigations and prosecution of the case continue.
Until then, the opposition leader and veteran lawyer will remain in Luzira Prison, while supporters, fellow lawyers and political allies continue demanding answers over the circumstances of his arrest, detention and physical condition.For many Ugandans, it was not only the legal arguments that captured national attention, but the image of a once energetic courtroom advocate—his head shaved, appearing visibly weakened—being escorted from court to begin another spell in custody as one of Uganda’s most politically charged criminal cases gathers momentum.
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]
Latest entries
NewsJune 17, 2026TEARS IN COURT AS LUKWAGO IS LED TO LUZIRA! Court Remands PFF Leader Until Monday, Bail Ruling Deferred as Treason Case Intensifies
NewsJune 17, 2026THEY TOUCHED THE WRONG LAWYER! ULS Rallies Behind Lukwago After Dramatic Court Appearance, Nationwide Strike Looms Unless Government Withdraws Charges
NewsJune 17, 2026SHAVED, FRAIL AND IN THE DOCK! Lukwago Charged With Misprision of Treason as Emotional Court Reunion With Wife Breaks Hearts
NewsJune 16, 2026ULS TO CID: PRODUCE LUKWAGO! Uganda Law Society Writes to CID Boss Tom Magambo. CID Asked to Investigate and End Attacks on Lawyers
