Lukwago at Makindye Court
Former Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda has explained why he did not attend the court appearance of Kampala lawyer and politician Erias Lukwago on Wednesday afternoon, saying he was out of the country on religious travel to Mecca.
Ssemujju’s remarks come in the wake of Lukwago’s appearance at Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged with misprision of treason and remanded in custody following days of reported detention that triggered political uproar.
In a public statement, Ssemujju welcomed Lukwago’s return, linking his detention to what he described as “captivity” under Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
He also used the moment to reflect on broader political and historical patterns of detention in Uganda.
“I want to welcome back my brother Erias Lukwago from Muhoozi Kainerugaba captivity,” Ssemujju said. He explained that he missed the court session because he was travelling for pilgrimage in Mecca.
He added that he remains hopeful spiritual intervention will play a role in resolving political tensions in the country.
“Allah will intervene in these matters like He has done before,” he said.
Ssemujju further drew a historical comparison, referencing the detention of the late Hajji Aziz Kasujja during the regime of former President Idi Amin.
He noted that Kasujja was once held at Mbuya military barracks and that even his close associates in the military allegedly told him he was safer in prison than elsewhere.
“Late Hajji Aziz Kasujja was detained by Idi Amin in Mbuya military barracks. Kasujja’s friends in the military told him he was safer in prison,” he said.
The former MP also made a controversial remark comparing Lukwago’s current detention to incarceration, suggesting that being held in Luzira Prison was preferable to being in military custody.
“Can you imagine we are happy that Lukwago is in Luzira and not with Muhoozi!” he said.
Lukwago’s court appearance has continued to draw reactions from opposition politicians, legal practitioners and human rights advocates, many of whom have raised concerns about due process and political intimidation.
His legal team has challenged the circumstances surrounding his detention, while the state maintains he is facing a lawful criminal charge.
The case is expected to return to court for further mention as political debate over the incident intensifies across the country.