Erias Lukwago reacts after court pronounced it’self
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Former Kampala Lord Mayor and prominent opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago has been remanded to Luzira Maximum Security Prison after appearing before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court and formally denying a charge of misprision of treason linked to the ongoing state security case involving veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Lukwago, who serves as lead defense counsel for Besigye and acting president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), was arraigned in court on June 17, 2026, following his arrest by security operatives earlier this week.
According to court documents, prosecutors accuse Lukwago of having knowledge of activities allegedly amounting to treason and failing to report them to the relevant authorities as required under Ugandan law. The offense of misprision of treason relates to situations where an individual becomes aware of a plot to overthrow the government or commit acts deemed treasonous but deliberately conceals that information or fails to notify authorities.
The charge sheet presented before court states that Lukwago is alleged to have had knowledge of actions connected to the broader treason investigations involving Besigye and others. Prosecutors contend that he failed to disclose that information despite being aware of its alleged implications for national security.
During the proceedings, Lukwago denied the accusations.
Court records indicate that after taking plea, the magistrate informed the accused that the offense is triable by the High Court. Consequently, the lower court did not entertain any substantive arguments regarding the merits of the case.
“The accused is hereby remanded until June 22, 2026, for mention and further proceedings,” the court order reportedly stated.
Following the plea, Lukwago was transferred to Luzira Prison’s Murchison Bay section, where he will remain in custody pending his next court appearance.
His remand marks the latest development in a politically charged case that has attracted widespread public attention due to its connection to Besigye’s ongoing legal troubles. Authorities have linked Lukwago’s charge to the same treason and national security investigations that have targeted the veteran opposition leader.
The circumstances leading to his arrest have also generated controversy. On June 15, 2026, operatives from the Special Forces Command (SFC) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) reportedly raided Lukwago’s residence in Wakaliga and took him into custody.
The arrest occurred amid growing tensions between the defense team and state authorities. Days earlier, Lukwago and fellow lawyers representing Besigye had boycotted evidence review sessions at Luzira Prison, citing restrictions that they argued undermined their ability to prepare an effective defense.
At the same time, Lukwago was actively pursuing legal action on behalf of Besigye against Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba over alleged public threats directed at the opposition leader.
With Lukwago now remanded to prison, attention is expected to shift to the June 22 court appearance, where the prosecution is anticipated to outline the next steps in a case that continues to raise significant legal and political questions.
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