KAMPALA, Uganda — Lawyer and former Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Ssegona has described the arrest of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago as “worrying”, warning that it raises serious concerns about his life, liberty and mental wellbeing.
Ssegona, who also represents Lukwago in legal matters, said on Tuesday that the circumstances surrounding the arrest and subsequent treatment were deeply troubling.
“It is worrying about his life, it is worrying about his freedom, it is worrying about the mental anguish unto him and his family,” Ssegona said.
He further criticised what he described as a dismissive attitude by some officials, saying it was alarming that state actors appeared to treat the situation lightly while Lukwago remained in military custody.
Ssegona argued that it was unacceptable in 2026 for individuals in authority to appear to “derive happiness in torturing another human being” or suggest they were beyond the reach of the law and the courts.
Lukwago, who is also the lead defence lawyer in the treason case involving opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale, was arrested by military personnel from his residence in Wakaliga, Kampala, on Monday.
His arrest came shortly after a legal application was filed by Besigye against the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, over alleged public statements in which he reportedly threatened to hang Besigye and accused him of plotting to assassinate President Yoweri Museveni.
Following Lukwago’s arrest, Gen Muhoozi posted on the social media platform X, questioning the legal proceedings and writing: “Ngu (that) he summoned me?? How do you DARE to utter those words? Only Mzee can summon me. This fool will learn the lesson he has been begging for.”
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He also shared a photograph appearing to show Lukwago blindfolded, a move that has sparked widespread criticism from legal and human rights groups.
The Uganda Law Society, the East Africa Law Society and several human rights organisations have condemned Lukwago’s detention, calling for his immediate release and warning that the incident undermines constitutional guarantees of due process and fair trial rights.
Kenya’s former Justice Minister and lead defence counsel in the Besigye case, Martha Karua, also condemned the arrest, saying it reflects a broader erosion of respect for the rule of law in Uganda.
