Lawyer of Uganda’s Opposition Leader Besigye Faces Treason Charges

Erias Lukwago, a former mayor of Kampala and the lawyer who has defended the detained opposition figure Kizza Besigye, has himself been accused of a treason‑related offence. The charges were filed after his arrest at his house on Monday, a move that has sparked outrage across the country.

Lukwago appeared before a magistrate’s court in Kampala looking noticeably weak. He denied the accusations of failing to report treason, but was remanded in prison until the case is heard next week.

The arrest was publicly announced by Army Chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the president’s son, who boasted of the move on his social‑media page. Opposition leader Bobi Wine has alleged that Lukwago’s apprehension was ordered by Muhoozi, claiming that the lawyer was about to serve a summons on the military chief.

On X, Kainerugaba posted photos that appeared to show Lukwago blindfolded in an unknown location, followed by statements of intent to “inflict pain” on the lawyer. Kainerugaba’s history of controversial posts includes previous claims of abducting and torturing political opponents.

Lukwago’s family presented a court request to compel security officers—who they accuse of abducting him—to disclose his location and release him whether “dead or alive.” The family argues that Muhoozi’s declarations are the driving force behind this arrest.

Lukwago has represented Kizza Besigye, who has faced treason charges after being abducted in Kenya, forcibly returned to Uganda in late 2024, and remains imprisoned. Besigye, a former personal doctor to President Yoweri Museveni, has been a long‑standing political adversary and has contested multiple presidential elections.