By Swift Reporter
The president of the opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Erias Lukwago, has been arrested from his home in Wakaliga by unidentified security operatives, Swift News has learnt.
Details surrounding the operation remained unclear by press time, with neither the police nor any other security agency providing an official explanation for Lukwago’s arrest or confirming where he had been taken.
According to sources close to the former Kampala Lord Mayor, Lukwago had been scheduled to appear for a television interview at his Kampala office but later decided to conduct the interview from his residence.
PFF officials also said the senior lawyer was preparing to serve legal documents on Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, a development that has intensified speculation over the circumstances surrounding the operation.
Residents and boda boda riders in the neighbourhood reported unusual security activity from as early as 5:00 a.m. They said they observed a numberless vehicle and another with registration plates carrying about eight individuals dressed in a mix of military uniforms and civilian clothing.
Witnesses said the operatives gained access to the property by scaling the perimeter fence before entering the residence.
Individuals who were inside the home at the time claimed the operatives issued loud commands, demanded to know Lukwago’s whereabouts and moved through the house before eventually taking him away.
They also alleged that mobile phones and other electronic devices belonging to some occupants were temporarily confiscated during the operation.
Moments later, Gen. Muhoozi posted a message on X saying: “I have captured a FOOL and taken him to the basement!”
The Chief of Defence Forces did not identify the person he was referring to, and it was not immediately possible to verify whether the statement was connected to Lukwago’s reported arrest.
In a strongly worded statement, PFF condemned the operation and accused the government of using security agencies to silence political opponents.
“Instead of respecting the rule of law, the regime has chosen military might to shield themselves from legal accountability and choke the voices of democratic change. This is the height of state-sponsored lawlessness,” the party said.
The party insisted that intimidation would not weaken its resolve to challenge the government.
“We want to send a clear message to the dictator and his tools of oppression: intimidation cannot and will not deter our resolve. You can blockade a house, but you cannot blockade the burning desire of millions of Ugandans fighting for freedom and democratic change,” the statement added.
Lukwago’s reported arrest comes against the backdrop of growing political tensions involving some of the country’s leading opposition figures.
As one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition politicians and lawyers, Lukwago has been at the forefront of several legal and political battles against the government over the years. More recently, he has been part of the legal team representing veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in his ongoing treason-related case.
His active involvement in Besigye’s defence, coupled with his vocal criticism of government policies and security actions, has placed him among the most outspoken opposition figures in the country.
However, it remains unclear whether any of these activities are linked to Monday’s operation, as authorities had not issued any official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
The incident is likely to fuel renewed debate over the treatment of opposition leaders ahead of the country’s increasingly active political season, with critics arguing that arrests and security operations targeting government opponents undermine democratic processes and the rule of law.
By Monday afternoon, Lukwago’s whereabouts remained unknown, while opposition supporters and human rights activists continued to demand answers from security agencies regarding the reasons for his detention and his current condition.
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