Former Leader of Opposition in Parliament Mathias Mpuuga has condemned the reported abduction of former Kampala Lord Mayor and opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago, describing the incident as “disturbing” and a worrying sign of expanding military involvement in civilian affairs.
Mpuuga, in a statement reacting to Monday’s incident in which armed security operatives allegedly stormed Lukwago’s Wakaliga home and took him to an undisclosed location, said the development raises serious concerns about the state of the rule of law and democratic governance in Uganda.
“The arrest of former Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago is disturbing, but most worrying is the increasing use of the military in political and civic matters,” Mpuuga said. “This is unacceptable for it undermines the rule of law, and fuels fear and intimidation.”
Lukwago, a prominent opposition figure and legal counsel in several high-profile political cases, was reportedly picked up in the early hours of Monday morning in an operation involving armed personnel.
Witnesses and family members claimed that the operatives forced their way into his residence before taking him away in an unmarked vehicle.
The incident has since sparked widespread concern among political leaders, human rights defenders, and legal practitioners, who have questioned the legality of the operation and the absence of clear information regarding Lukwago’s whereabouts or charges.
Mpuuga’s remarks add to growing criticism from opposition circles, who argue that the use of military personnel in civilian arrests is eroding institutional accountability and undermining judicial processes.
He warned that continued reliance on military operations in political matters risks deepening public fear and weakening trust in state institutions.
“The country cannot normalize fear as a tool of governance,” Mpuuga implied in his response, calling for adherence to constitutional procedures in handling political and legal disputes.
As pressure mounts on authorities to account for Lukwago’s detention, security agencies have yet to issue a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the arrest or confirm his current location.