Former Kenyan Justice Minister and senior counsel Martha Karua has strongly condemned reports alleging that Ugandan lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was forced to wear a ruling party T-shirt while in detention, describing the incident as unconstitutional and abusive.
Karua’s remarks come amid growing regional attention on claims surrounding Lukwago’s arrest earlier this week, during which opposition figures alleged that he was subjected to coercive treatment while in custody before appearing in court.
In her reaction, Karua termed the alleged act as a serious breach of fundamental rights, arguing that such conduct undermines the rule of law and the principles of democratic governance.
“Preposterous and a violation of Erias Lukwago constitutional rights, it amounts to torture, inhuman and degrading treatment which should not be tolerated in an open and democratic society,” Karua stated.
The allegations, first raised by opposition leaders in Uganda, include claims that Lukwago was held incommunicado and subjected to restrictive conditions during detention.
These include assertions of blindfolding and sleep deprivation, though authorities have not publicly addressed the specific claims.
Karua’s intervention adds a regional legal and political dimension to the matter, with rights advocates increasingly calling for accountability in the handling of politically sensitive arrests in East Africa.