KAMPALA, Uganda — Former Kampala Lord Mayor and prominent opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago has been charged with misprision of treason before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court, adding a new chapter to Uganda’s increasingly tense political and legal landscape.
Lukwago, who is also lead counsel for opposition veteran Dr. Kizza Besigye in his ongoing treason case, appeared in court on Tuesday and denied the charge. Misprision of treason refers to the alleged failure by a person who has knowledge of plans to unlawfully overthrow or change the government to report such information to the relevant authorities.
The court appearance came days after Lukwago’s controversial arrest by security operatives, an incident that drew condemnation from opposition parties, lawyers, and human rights activists.
According to reports from the opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), security personnel arrested Lukwago from his residence in Wakaliga, Kampala, on June 15. Reuters and the Associated Press reported that Lukwago was detained amid heightened tensions surrounding the treason trial of Dr. Besigye, whom he represents.
Heavy security deployment was witnessed around the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on the day of his arraignment, with police blocking roads leading to the court premises as proceedings got underway.
During the hearing, Lukwago’s lawyer, Medard Lubega Ssegona, asked the court to consider his client’s health condition should bail not be granted.
“In the event that the court does not release him on bail, we pray that he be allowed to go to prison with an orthopedic mattress because of his back medical condition,” Ssegona submitted.
Lukwago denied the allegations and was remanded to Luzira prison until June 22, 2026, pending mention of his case and bail application.
The charge comes against the backdrop of Lukwago’s legal work in the defence of Dr. Besigye, who is facing treason charges in a separate case. Legal observers have expressed concern that recent arrests targeting members of Besigye’s legal team could affect perceptions of fairness in the ongoing proceedings.
The Uganda Law Society and opposition leaders previously condemned Lukwago’s arrest, describing it as an attack on the legal profession and the rule of law.
Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific facts underpinning the misprision of treason charge, but prosecutors are expected to present the particulars of the case as proceedings continue.
The case is likely to attract significant public attention given Lukwago’s stature as a former Lord Mayor of Kampala, a senior opposition figure, and one of the country’s most prominent lawyers.