A social media post by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has intensified political tension following the remand of veteran lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago to prison on charges of misprision of treason.
In a post shared on X on Thursday evening, Muhoozi commented on Lukwago’s detention in unusually direct and personal terms, stating that the opposition lawyer would remain behind bars indefinitely.
“Lukwago has been craving my attention for decades. He has it now. He is in prison and he will never come out,” the post read.
The remarks came hours after Lukwago was remanded to Luzira Prison by Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he had been charged earlier in the day. The court session followed his reported detention by security operatives and subsequent appearance in court under heavy security.
Lukwago, a senior opposition-aligned lawyer and former Lord Mayor of Kampala, is facing charges of misprision of treason, an offence that relates to allegedly withholding information on acts considered treasonable. He denied the charge in court.
Muhoozi’s statement also follows earlier posts in which he shared images appearing to show Lukwago during detention, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from legal and political commentators who argue it undermines the principle of due process and presumption of innocence.
The comments have further fueled debate on the role of senior military figures in political discourse and criminal justice matters, particularly where civilians are concerned.
Opposition figures and rights advocates have previously raised concern over what they describe as increasing militarisation of political disputes, warning that public statements by security chiefs risk influencing ongoing judicial processes.
Lukwago’s legal team is expected to return to court for a mention of the case on Monday, where they are likely to challenge both the charge and the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention.