Muhoozi: Kabaka Should Request Me to Release Lukwago or I’ll Hang Him – and if He Dies I’ll Take Responsibility

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and a central figure in its military-political elite, has said if the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi requests him to release People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) leader and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, he will do so. 

Erias Lukwago, a prominent lawyer, was abducted from his home in Wakaliga in Kampala on June 15, 2026. Armed soldiers from the Special Forces Command scaled the perimeter wall, entered the residence, and took him into custody as he prepared to serve court summons on Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Gen. Kainerugaba later confirmed the operation on X (formerly Twitter), posting images of a blindfolded Lukwago and issuing statements threatening “hurt and pain.”

He was held incommunicado at an undisclosed military location for about 48 hours.

Lukwago was eventually transferred to Kira Division Police Station before being arraigned at Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on June 17, 2026.

He faced charges of misprision of treason contrary to Section 25 of the Penal Code Act. Prosecutors alleged that between 2021 and November 2024, in Kampala and Nairobi, Kenya, he had prior knowledge of treasonous plots involving opposition figures—including Dr. Kizza Besigye, whom he represented as lead counsel—but deliberately failed to alert authorities. Lukwago denied the charges, highlighting the contradiction of being prosecuted in a case tied to his professional duties. He appeared visibly weakened in court amid heavy security before being remanded.

His legal team immediately applied for bail, primarily on medical grounds. Lawyers, led by Medard Sseggona, presented evidence of Lukwago’s deteriorating health, including hypertension, gastritis, respiratory complications, a dislocated spinal disc allegedly sustained during detention, and low white blood cell count.

The defense proposed ssureties and emphasized his fixed place of residence. The state opposed the application, citing the gravity of the offense—which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment—ongoing multi-jurisdictional investigations, and the risk that Lukwago’s influence as a senior advocate, former mayor, and opposition leader could lead to interference with witnesses or probes.

On June 23, 2026, Chief Magistrate Sarah Anne Basemera delivered her ruling electronically. While she found the proposed sureties substantial and validated Lukwago’s fixed abode, she denied bail. The magistrate determined that the security implications of the charges, the incomplete status of investigations, and Lukwago’s prominent public position outweighed considerations favoring release. She ordered prison authorities to ensure he received comprehensive medical assessment and treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital under secure escort. Lukwago did not appear physically for the ruling due to security concerns from prior proceedings, and he was further remanded, with the case scheduled for mention on June 30.

Now, Muhoozi says that a Kabaka’s request for him to release Lukwago would make him grant freedom to the former lord mayor.

If the Kabaka does not make the appeal, Muhoozi has added, Lukwago could be hanged.

“If my uncle the Kabaka requests me to release my prisoner… Lukwago, I will do it,” Muhoozi wrote on X.

“If no such request comes through, then we will hang Lukwago like his boss Besigye.”

Muhoozi also said he would not allow the release of Lukwago to go for treatment, saying he would “take responsibility if he dies.”

“Lukwago can be as sick as he can pretend! He is going nowhere! If he wants to die, I will take responsibility!” he further wrote.

“Lukwago was an easy job for us. Personally, I always thought he was very d@ft! I mean just look at the shape of his head — square! But I’m a merciful man. I will release him when I’m ready.”

The Pearl Times understands that Lukwago was rushed from Luzira Prison to Mulago Hospital and there are plans to take him to India for better treatment. (See Details Here).

Meanwhile, Muhoozi has spoken of arresting Miria Matembe. (See Details Here).

Relatedly, Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda have been shut down on Muhoozi’s orders, as reported Here.