KAMPALA, Uganda — An opposition figure in Uganda was detained Monday on orders from the army chief, a development that has raised concerns among opposition groups and human‑rights advocates.
Erias Lukwago was taken from his home by armed soldiers after he attempted to serve General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the army chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni, with court papers relating to Kainerugaba’s threats against another opposition figure, according to Lukwago’s party. Kainerugaba confirmed the arrest on his social‑media account and warned he would inflict “hurt and pain” on Lukwago.
Lukwago, a former mayor of Kampala and president of the People’s Front for Freedom opposition group, also serves as attorney for Kizza Besigye, a four‑time presidential candidate facing treason charges that his supporters describe as politically motivated.
General Kainerugaba, the president’s eldest son, has become an increasingly controversial presence in Ugandan politics. He has posted inflammatory messages online and has suggested he will succeed his father, who was sworn in for a seventh term in May at the age of 81. Observers note that Kainerugaba is effectively acting as the country’s de facto ruler.
On the social platform X, the army chief asserted that Lukwago had overstepped by pursuing legal action against him and said he was being held for that reason.
“This fool will learn the lesson he has been begging for,” Kainerugaba wrote, later sharing photos showing a blindfolded Lukwago appearing to plead for mercy.
Prior to his detention, Lukwago told reporters he was seeking to hold Kainerugaba accountable for alleged violations of Besigye’s rights, including Besigye’s abduction in Nairobi in November 2024 and his subsequent detention without bail in Uganda. Kainerugaba has threatened to hang Besigye, accusing him of plotting to assassinate President Museveni.
The Uganda Law Society called for Lukwago’s immediate release, saying his arrest disregarded judicial processes. His wife, Zawedde Lukwago, told reporters the incident evoked memories of Idi Amin’s dictatorship, which claimed between 100,000 and 500,000 lives, according to Human Rights Watch.
“If he thinks he will be our next leader and will rule us like this, we are already saying no,” she said, referring to Kainerugaba.
Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986.