National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Rubongoya has raised concern over the treatment of senior lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago following his arrest earlier this week, alleging that he endured harsh and demeaning conditions while in custody.
Rubongoya, who on Wednesday visited Makindye Court alongside opposition leaders and activists, said Lukwago shared disturbing details of his alleged ordeal during a brief interaction after being presented before the court.
He claimed that Lukwago was held incommunicado and subjected to what he described as sleep deprivation, blindfolding, and forced clothing in political attire against his will.
“Earlier on, we were at the Makindye Court, alongside other leaders and activists, to stand in solidarity with senior advocate and former Lord Mayor, Hon. Erias Lukwago,” Rubongoya stated.
“In that brief interaction, he decried the harrowing ordeal he went through while being held incommunicado, including sleep deprivation, being blindfolded, being forced to put on an NRM t-shirt, etc.”
Rubongoya said the alleged treatment of a high-profile legal figure raises broader concerns about the safety and rights of ordinary citizens who may not have the same public visibility or legal protection.
“All the while, I kept thinking to myself, ‘If they can treat a distinguished citizen in this manner, what do they do to ordinary citizens who fall into their hands?!’” he added.
Lukwago’s arrest and subsequent court appearance have drawn attention from political and legal actors, with opposition figures framing the incident as part of a worrying pattern of rights violations, while authorities have not publicly responded to the specific allegations raised regarding his detention conditions.
Rubongoya further described the situation as reflective of “sad days,” though he suggested it could represent a turning point in the country’s democratic journey.
“Sad days indeed, but perhaps this is the difficult pathway to a new dawn for our nation,” he said.