By Aggrey Baba
Kampala Lord Mayor and acting president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a newly registered political party that recently received its certificate from the Electoral Commission (EC), Erias Lukwago, has expressed fear of being arrested anytime soon.
This was revealed during yesterday’s Eid prayers at Old Kampala Mosque, where Lukwago told religious leaders that he and Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda are deeply worried after being named among individuals allegedly linked to treasonous acts committed alongside former FDC president and four-time presidential candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye, who has been in incarceration since last year.
“As we were in court last week, with me as part of the legal team representing Dr. Kizza Besigye, I and my brother Ssemujju were shocked to be listed among those accused of involvement in the crimes for which Besigye is being held in Luzira,” Lukwago said.
He added that he became anxious, fearing immediate arrest, since he was physically present before the magistrate in Nakawa as his name was read aloud.
“As my name was being mentioned, I was standing right there in court, and I thought I wouldn’t be allowed to walk out,” he said.
Although they were not arrested that day, Lukwago said he strongly suspects a plot to arrest them in the near future, citing the unpredictability of President Museveni’s government.
“I know how this regime operates. In Uganda, anything can happen. There must be a plan to arrest us.”
The Lord mayor also used the opportunity to officially declare himself full president of PFF, noting that they received the party’s registration certificate last week, adding that their major goal now, is to fight for the release of Dr. Besigye as preparations for the 2026 elections go on.
Lukwago also criticised the recently amended UPDF Act, saying the opposition is greatly disturbed by it because it is aimed at suppressing dissent.
He noted that President Museveni, in his State of the Nation Address on Thursday, openly boasted that he would not allow certain individuals to be tried in civilian courts, something Lukwago says undermines the authority of civil courts.
“He said he can’t allow some people to go to civilian courts. That alone renders our judiciary powerless,” Lukwago said.
The lawyer also reaffirmed his commitment to working with other opposition political parties (especially NUP) ahead of the 2026 elections, echoing calls by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Speaker Zahara Luyirika (NUP), who had earlier urged opposition unity in the struggle to kick Museveni out of office. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
