Kampala City, Uganda: Former Kampala Lord Mayor and President of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Erias Lukwago, has been charged with misprision of treason and remanded to Luzira Prison until June 22, 2026, following his dramatic arrest earlier this week.
Lukwago, one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figures and lead lawyer for detained opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajj Obed Lutale, appeared before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday afternoon where he denied the charge.
State Prosecution contends allege that Lukwago had knowledge of plans relating to the unlawful overthrow of the government but failed to report the information to the relevant authorities, an offence known in law as misprision of treason.
The charge comes two days after Lukwago was arrested under circumstances that sparked widespread criticism from opposition politicians, legal practitioners, civil society organizations and human rights activists.
His detention also triggered a standoff between the legal fraternity and state institutions, with the Uganda Law Society (ULS) suspending participation in a scheduled Bar-Bench meeting with the Judiciary over concerns surrounding his arrest and detention.
Appearing in court under tight security, Lukwago maintained his innocence and formally denied the allegations levelled against him.
The court subsequently remanded him to Luzira Prison pending further proceedings scheduled for Monday, June 22.
Lukwago’s arrest and prosecution add to a growing list of politically sensitive cases that have dominated Uganda’s political and legal landscape in recent months.
As President of the People’s Front for Freedom and a long-serving opposition figure, Lukwago has remained one of the most vocal critics of government policies and a key figure within Uganda’s opposition movement.
The development is likely to intensify debate over political freedoms, due process and the treatment of opposition leaders ahead of the country’s evolving political transition and electoral processes.
Opposition supporters who gathered outside court described the charges as politically motivated, while government officials have maintained that all suspects are processed in accordance with the law regardless of their political affiliation.
The case is expected to attract significant public interest when it returns to court next week, with legal observers closely watching how the prosecution intends to substantiate the allegations against the veteran lawyer and politician.
Lukwago’s remand means he will spend at least five days in custody as investigators and prosecutors continue preparations for the next stage of proceedings.
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