KAMPALA — Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was taken from his Wakaliga home on Monday, June 15, after messages on his Facebook page said security operatives had surrounded and entered his residence.
The incident unfolded in the morning after a short post appeared on Lukwago’s verified Facebook page.
“Am under attack at my home,” the post read.
A second message followed soon after.
“I am under attack; they have jumped over the perimeter wall into my home,” it stated.
About an hour later, a post signed by the page administrator said Lukwago, the president of the People’s Front for Freedom, had been taken from his home.
“Just in: President of PFF and former Lord Mayor has been abducted now from his home after military officers jumped over his fenced home in Wakaliga,” the post read.
Operatives Reportedly Surrounded Wakaliga Home
According to the account in the posts and eyewitness claims, security operatives dressed in army uniform and civilian clothes arrived at Lukwago’s residence at around 7:30am.
The operatives reportedly moved on motorcycles and later surrounded the home with vehicles.
Lukwago said he had been preparing to take his children to school when he noticed people outside his gate.
“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.
“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.
Eyewitnesses claimed that two drone vans and a police patrol vehicle carrying Special Forces Command operatives moved closer to the residence.
They said some of the officers later scaled the perimeter wall and entered the compound after failing to access the home through the main gate.
At around 8:10am, another drone van reportedly arrived with more security personnel.
Lukwago was later taken from the house and driven to an unknown destination, according to the account shared by his handlers.
Incident Linked to Besigye Court Case
The incident came days after Dr Kizza Besigye filed an application before the Criminal Division of the High Court in Kampala.
Besigye, who is on remand in Luzira, sued Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba over alleged public statements threatening his life.
Lukwago is part of Besigye’s legal team.
He had confirmed on Friday that the Attorney General had been served with court documents. He said Gen Muhoozi, Col Peter Ahimbisibwe and Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga had not yet been served.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma last Thursday gave Gen Muhoozi seven days to respond to the application.
The timing of Lukwago’s arrest has raised questions among opposition figures and his supporters.
However, security authorities had not provided a detailed public explanation in the draft account.
Besigye Challenges Alleged Threats
In court documents, Besigye accuses Gen Muhoozi of using his social media platform to issue threats and make statements that he says undermine his right to a fair trial.
The application cites alleged posts, including one from January 2025 that referred to hanging “KB” on Heroes’ Day.
It also cites another alleged post from February 2026 that described Besigye as a “dead man walking”.
Besigye argues that the statements, allegedly made by a senior military officer, violate his constitutional rights.
He also says they prejudice his ongoing treason-related trial.
The case also touches on Besigye’s alleged kidnap from Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024, alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale.
The applicants claim they were brought to Uganda without proper extradition procedures.
They also allege that they were detained at Makindye Military Barracks, denied access to legal counsel and subjected to rights violations.
Besigye is seeking declarations that Gen Muhoozi’s alleged statements violated his constitutional freedoms.
He also wants court to find that the charges against him are inconsistent with fair trial principles.
The High Court has set June 30 for hearing of the application.
Any rejoinders from Besigye’s legal team are expected by June 25.
Opposition Abductions Return to Focus
Lukwago’s removal from his home has renewed concern over the treatment of opposition figures and lawyers involved in politically sensitive cases.
The draft account compares the incident to previous arrests and alleged abductions involving opposition figures.
These include National Unity Platform members Edward Sebuufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe, and Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu.
Lukwago’s supporters say the incident raises fresh concerns about the safety of lawyers representing opposition leaders.
The matter is likely to attract further legal and political scrutiny as Besigye’s case against Gen Muhoozi moves toward hearing.
