East African Observer | Kampala | 16 June 2026
The National Peasants’ Party (NPP) has condemned what it describes as the “brutal abduction” of former Kampala Lord Mayor and self-styled “Rule of Law General” Erias Lukwago, which the party says occurred on 15 June 2026.
In a press statement issued on Monday, NPP Chairman Mulindwa Andrew said the party received the news “with deep concern and shock” and called upon security agencies to operate within the Constitution and laws of Uganda.
TORTURE AND DEGRADING TREATMENT
The NPP also condemned alleged acts of torture, cruelty and degrading treatment that it says were displayed on the social media account of the Chief of Defence Forces.
“Such actions are a gross violation of human rights as enshrined under Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, particularly Article 24, which prohibits any form of torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment,” the statement read.
CALL FOR RULE OF LAW
Mulindwa stressed that “the rule of law must prevail at all times. No person should be subjected to illegal detention, torture, or humiliation outside the procedures established by law.”
The party is demanding that relevant security agencies either immediately and unconditionally release Lukwago or produce him before a competent court of law should there be lawful charges against him.
“The National Peasants’ Party remains committed to the promotion of justice, constitutionalism, democracy, and the protection of fundamental human rights for all Ugandans,” Mulindwa added.
SEARCH FOR LUKWAGO
Following the reported abduction, Lukwago’s lawyer, Counsel Medard Lubega Sseggona, accompanied by Lukwago’s wife, commonly known as Nalongo, embarked on a search at various police stations in and around Kampala.
Speaking to journalists, Sseggona said they first reported to Nateete Police Station, where officers allegedly failed to provide clear information regarding Lukwago’s whereabouts. According to Sseggona, attempts to open a case of kidnapping were unsuccessful, with officers instead advising them to seek assistance from the Criminal Investigations Directorate headquarters at Kibuli.
Sseggona said that officials at Kibuli were similarly unable to provide information concerning Lukwago’s whereabouts. The search later extended to Central Police Station (CPS) Kampala, where, according to the lawyer, they again failed to obtain answers regarding his client’s alleged detention or whereabouts.
UGANDA LAW SOCIETY DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has also weighed in on the matter, issuing a statement calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Lukwago, who also serves as National Chairman of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF).
Addressing a press conference, ULS General Secretary David Kabanda expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s reported disappearance and urged authorities to account for his whereabouts. The legal body issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding Lukwago’s release or production before a competent court of law.
The Law Society described the incident as an attack on the independence of the legal profession and warned that intimidation of lawyers performing their professional duties poses a threat to the administration of justice and the rule of law.
LINK TO BESIGYE CASE AGAINST MUHOOZI
The reported arrest has attracted heightened public attention because of its apparent connection to an ongoing human rights enforcement suit filed by opposition veteran Dr. Kizza Besigye against Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Lukwago is one of Besigye’s lead lawyers in the case, which seeks court intervention over a series of public statements allegedly made by Gen. Muhoozi threatening to hang or kill Besigye while he faces treason-related charges before the courts.
The petition argues that such statements violate Besigye’s constitutional rights and undermine his right to a fair hearing. Court records indicate that the respondents in the case were expected to respond to the allegations before the matter proceeds for hearing.
Prior to his reported arrest, Lukwago had publicly stated that efforts by his legal team to serve court documents on Gen. Muhoozi had encountered difficulties. The developments were further fueled by social media posts attributed to the CDF in which he warned that anyone attempting to serve him court papers would be arrested.
Opposition leaders, lawyers and human rights activists have since questioned whether Lukwago’s reported arrest was connected to his role in pursuing the case against the military chief, although no official explanation had been provided by authorities at the time of publication.
The incident has sparked renewed debate about respect for due process, the independence of the legal profession and adherence to constitutional safeguards in Uganda’s justice system.