Erias Lukwago Charged with Misprision of Treason: Opposition Condemns Arrest as Political Persecution
Former Kampala Lord Mayor and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) leader Erias Lukwago has been formally charged with misprision of treason and remanded to Luzira Prison, sparking widespread condemnation from opposition figures and civil society activists.
The Charges
Lukwago, 57, appeared before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, June 17, 2026, following his arrest on Monday from his Wakaliga home. Prosecutors allege that Lukwago, who serves as counsel in Dr. Kizza Besigye’s treason trial, had knowledge of plans to overthrow the government but failed to report them—an offense legally defined as misprision of treason.
He is charged alongside co-accused including Frank Kihehere, Joel Wakayima, Dr. Kizza Besigye, and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulega, among others. Lukwago denied the charge in court.
Court Proceedings and Bail Application
Lukwago’s legal team, led by Hon. Medard Lubega Ssegona, has applied for bail on health grounds. Ssegona further requested that in the event his client is not released, the court should allow Lukwago to receive an orthopedic mattress in prison due to his chronic back condition.
The magistrate remanded Lukwago to Luzira Prison until June 22, deferring the ruling on the bail application.
Allegations of Brutal Treatment
According to David Lewis Rubongoya, a fellow opposition leader who visited Lukwago at Makindye Court, the former Lord Mayor recounted a harrowing ordeal during his detention.
“He decried the harrowing ordeal he went through while being held incommunicado, including sleep deprivation, being blindfolded, being forced to put on an NRM t-shirt,” Rubongoya stated on X.
Rubongoya expressed grave concern, adding: “If they can treat a distinguished citizen in this manner, what do they do to ordinary citizens who fall into their hands?!”
Opposition Response
Opposition Members of Parliament, led by Joel Ssenyonyi, held a meeting and press briefing condemning the escalating human rights abuses and abductions by security forces. Ssenyonyi cited Lukwago’s case as emblematic of a broader crackdown on dissent.
Ssenyonyi has written to the Speaker of Parliament requesting the reconvening of the House to deliberate on these matters, noting that similar concerns were raised at Parliament’s last sitting and relevant ministers were tasked to provide responses.
Public Reaction
The charges have drawn significant public attention, with social media posts accumulating hundreds of thousands of views across platforms. Many have questioned the severity of the charges, with one user noting: “Treason is the charge that should be reserved for the gravest.”
Broader Context
Lukwago’s arrest comes amid growing concerns over the shrinking civic space in Uganda, with opposition figures and civil society leaders increasingly facing legal action and detention. The case is seen by critics as part of a pattern of political persecution targeting government opponents.
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