KAMPALA, Uganda — Former Kampala Lord Mayor and prominent opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago has been arrested by operatives of the Special Forces Command (SFC) following an early-morning security deployment at his residence in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, Kampala.
The operation unfolded shortly after Lukwago reported that his home had been surrounded by heavily armed personnel as he prepared to take his children to school. He said he observed multiple military vehicles, commonly referred to as “drones,” stationed outside his gate, alongside both plainclothes and uniformed officers.
“I was also stunned to wake up and find two minibuses, commonly known as ‘drones,’ outside my gate. There are people in civilian clothes and others in army uniforms all over the place. I can’t get out of the house,” Lukwago said earlier.
He further stated that no explanation had been provided by the security personnel regarding the reason for the deployment.
“I don’t know why they are here and what they are looking for. I haven’t spoken to them, and they haven’t spoken to us either,” he added.
Security operation at Wakaliga residence
Our reporter observed two police “drone” vans and a patrol vehicle carrying SFC operatives as they moved toward the residence. Some of the officers were later seen scaling the perimeter wall before gaining entry into the compound, shortly before Lukwago was arrested.
By the time of publication, authorities had not issued an official statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the arrest or the charges, if any, facing the former mayor.
Link to ongoing high-profile legal case
The incident comes amid heightened legal tensions involving Lukwago in his capacity as lead defence counsel in the ongoing treason case against opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye and co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale.
The defence team, which includes Lukwago and Kenyan senior counsel Martha Karua, has recently clashed with court and prison authorities over access restrictions to their clients at Luzira Upper Prison.
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The lawyers had previously boycotted an evidence review session, citing limitations on communication and preparation time with the accused persons.
The accused themselves have also declined to physically attend recent court proceedings, further stalling the progress of the trial.
Legal pressure and service of Court papers
The arrest also comes at a time when Lukwago’s legal team is involved in a separate constitutional application seeking accountability from senior military leadership.
On Thursday, the High Court gave Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba seven days to respond to an application filed by Besigye and Lutale over alleged public statements said to have threatened their rights to a fair trial.
Lukwago confirmed that the Attorney General had already been served in the matter, while service on Gen Muhoozi, Col Peter Ahimbisibwe, and Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga was still pending.
Uncertainty over motive
The timing of the security deployment has raised questions among legal observers and political commentators, given Lukwago’s central role in high-profile opposition legal battles.
However, the exact motive behind the operation remains unclear, with neither the police nor the Uganda People’s Defence Forces issuing a formal explanation at the time of publication.
Further updates are expected as authorities clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
