Former Aruu County MP Odongo Otto has raised concern over what he describes as “deep seated silence” among Ugandans following the reported abduction of opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago, an incident that has triggered widespread political debate and online reactions.
Otto’s remarks come after images allegedly showing Lukwago in detention were circulated on social media by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, a development that has drawn sharp criticism from sections of the public and political commentators.
Otto, reacting to the unfolding situation and the circulation of images allegedly shared by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba showing Lukwago in detention, said the episode reflects a deeper national concern beyond the immediate case.
“Power and life are all temporal things. In 50 yrs the terrain and issues will be totally different,” Otto stated.
He added that his main worry is not the personal safety of the military chief but what he described as a growing silence among citizens even when they recognize wrongdoing.
“What bothers me is not the safety (now and in the future) of Muhoozi kainerugaba. But rather the deep seated laid back silence of Ugandans when they even know something is not right,” he said.
The remarks come amid mounting tension following Lukwago’s reported detention, which opposition figures and legal colleagues have described as an abduction.
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) confirmed that Lukwago was taken from his home by armed operatives and his whereabouts remained unclear for hours after the incident.
His wife and close associates alleged that security personnel forced entry into the residence before whisking him away in a vehicle commonly used in security operations.
The controversy intensified after social media posts attributed to Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba appeared to reference the detention and shared images purportedly showing Lukwago inside what critics have described as a basement facility.
The posts have sparked mixed reactions, with government supporters defending security operations while opposition voices accuse authorities of intimidation.