SFC Picks up Erias Lukwago after Overnight Siege on Wakaliga Residence

The Special Forces Command (Special Forces Command) has reportedly picked up former Kampala Lord Mayor and senior lawyer Erias Lukwago following a dramatic early morning operation at his home in Wakaliga, according to eyewitness accounts and statements from Lukwago himself. Lukwago said he woke up to find his residence surrounded by security personnel, including both uniformed and plainclothes operatives, as well as multiple “drones” (minibuses commonly used by security agencies). He claimed officers later scaled the perimeter wall before entering the compound.

“I was also stunned to wake up and find two minibuses, commonly known as ‘drones,’ outside my gate. There are people in civilian clothes and others in army uniforms all over the place. I can’t get out of the house,” Lukwago said. He further said he had not been informed of the reason for the deployment and had not communicated with the officers on the ground.

“I don’t know why they are here and what they are looking for. I haven’t spoken to them, and they haven’t spoken to us either,” he added. Our reporter observed two minibuses and a police patrol vehicle carrying operatives believed to be from the Special Forces Command moving toward the residence before some personnel entered the compound.

Neither the police nor the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had issued an official statement confirming the reported operation or Lukwago’s alleged detention by the time of filing this story. The incident comes at a politically sensitive moment linked to an ongoing treason and national security case involving opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale, where Lukwago serves as lead defence counsel.

His legal team, which includes former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua, recently boycotted an evidence-review session at Luzira Upper Prison, citing restricted access to their clients. The accused persons have also declined to attend court proceedings physically.

The development also comes as Lukwago’s legal team has been attempting to serve Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba and other senior officials with High Court papers related to allegations of social media threats, a petition currently before the court.

Justice Emmanuel Baguma previously directed that Gen Muhoozi respond to the petition within seven days after it was filed by Dr Besigye and Hajji Lutale. While the Attorney General has reportedly been served, Lukwago had indicated that Muhoozi and other named officials were yet to be formally served at the time.

The timing of the security deployment has raised public concern and speculation over possible links to the ongoing legal and political disputes, although no official explanation has been provided.

More details are expected as authorities issue formal statements.

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