Lukwago Family Denounces Violent, Warrantless Arrest of Former Kampala Mayor

The family of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has strongly condemned his arrest, labeling it a violent and illegal act by security agencies. Operatives allegedly stormed his home in Wakaliga, Lubaga Division, Kampala, and took him away without a warrant, leaving his whereabouts unknown.

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The soldiers were jumping over the fence and holding everyone at gunpoint, demanding to know the former Lord Mayor's whereabouts.

A family member, speaking anonymously, described the operation as terrifying. "The soldiers were jumping over the fence and holding everyone at gunpoint, demanding to know the former Lord Mayor's whereabouts," the relative stated. The family alleges that security personnel forced their way into the house, confiscated phones, and assaulted family members during the raid.

"We were inside the rooms when soldiers jumped into the compound and forced their way in. They started beating everyone, asking for the Lord Mayor. Everyone was slapped. The Lord Mayor came down from his room, and Nalongo was slapped as she resisted his arrest, asking for the warrant, and our phones were confiscated," the family member recounted.

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We were inside the rooms when soldiers jumped into the compound and forced their way in. They started beating everyone, asking for the Lord Mayor. Everyone was slapped. The Lord Mayor came down from his room, and Nalongo was slapped as she resisted his arrest, asking for the warrant, and our phones were confiscated.

The family suspects the arrest is connected to Lukwago's role as lead defense counsel for Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale in an ongoing treason and national security case. Specifically, they believe it relates to efforts to serve court documents on CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

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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.

Medard Lubega Ssegona, a close family friend and lawyer at Lukwago Advocates, visited the home post-arrest and condemned the incident, suggesting it targets those defending Besigye's rights. Prior to the arrest, Lukwago himself reported that his home was surrounded by security personnel, including uniformed and plainclothes officers, blocking his gate and preventing him from leaving. He expressed confusion, stating he had not been contacted by any agency and did not know the reason for the deployment. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke stated he was unaware of the alleged arrest.

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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.