By Jumah Kakomo
Members of the opposition Democratic Party (DP) operating under the banner “DP At Heart” have condemned the reported arrest and continued detention of Counsel Erias Lukwago, the former Lord Mayor of Kampala and current Chairman of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ismael Kiirya, President Emeritus of the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), described Lukwago as a respected advocate for justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law. He noted that Lukwago has earned the nickname “Rule of Law” because of his long-standing commitment to defending citizens’ rights and promoting constitutional governance.
Kiirya said the circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s reported arrest by armed security personnel and his subsequent detention have raised serious concerns about adherence to due process and constitutional safeguards in Uganda.
“As democrats, we firmly believe that no person, regardless of office, rank, or status, is above the law. Equally, no Ugandan should be deprived of liberty outside procedures established by the Constitution and the laws of our country,” Kiirya said.
The DP At Heart members also expressed concern over what they described as the targeting of a legal practitioner while carrying out professional duties. According to Kiirya, lawyers should be able to represent their clients freely and without intimidation, harassment, or interference.
He further argued that the Office of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), headed by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, should be held to the highest standards of accountability. Kiirya said any involvement—or perceived involvement—of military personnel in the detention of civilians raises concerns about constitutional governance and civilian oversight.
The group warned that the increasing normalization of alleged abductions, arbitrary detentions, and public humiliation of citizens risks eroding public confidence in state institutions and undermining the rule of law.
DP At Heart also called upon the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, who also serves as President General of the Democratic Party, to publicly address the matter and demonstrate leadership in defending constitutional principles.
“As a leader of a party that has historically championed constitutional governance and the rule of law, Hon. Mao must speak clearly on these developments,” Kiirya stated.
Kiirya also referenced the late Benedicto Kiwanuka, Uganda’s former Chief Justice, whose abduction and killing remains one of the country’s most notable human rights violations. He urged leaders to ensure that past failures to defend justice and constitutional order are not repeated.
The group further appealed to constitutional and oversight institutions, including the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Parliament, the Uganda Law Society, the Judiciary, and the Inspector General of Government, to independently investigate the allegations and fulfill their respective mandates.
Addressing the wider public, Kiirya said the reported detention of Lukwago should concern all Ugandans, arguing that attacks on advocates of constitutional governance ultimately threaten the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
He called on civil society organizations, religious leaders, cultural institutions, and members of the public to speak out in defense of democratic values and advocate for Lukwago’s release.
Among the group’s key demands are the immediate and unconditional release of Counsel Lukwago, full observance of constitutional safeguards and due process, and an independent investigation into actions that may have undermined the rule of law, including any alleged involvement of military authorities.
“Uganda cannot prosper where the law is applied selectively, where citizens live in fear, or where public officials act outside the Constitution,” Kiirya said.
The DP At Heart members concluded by expressing solidarity with Lukwago, his family, the legal fraternity, and all Ugandans committed to justice, democracy, and constitutional governance.
