By Ben Musanje
Concerns over the reported abduction and continued detention of Kampala lawyer and politician Counsel Erias Lukwago have intensified, with the Democratic Party faction DP At Heart calling for accountability from both government and military leadership.
The group has urged the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao—who also serves as Democratic Party President to take a clear public position on the matter, while also drawing attention to the role of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces under Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Lukwago, a former Kampala Lord Mayor and current Chairman of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), is alleged to have been taken from his home by armed security personnel and remains in detention under unclear circumstances that have not been officially explained.
Widely known in legal and political circles for his advocacy of constitutional governance and civil liberties, Lukwago has built a reputation as a consistent critic of arbitrary arrests and abuse of state power. His supporters often refer to him as “Rule of Law,” reflecting his long-standing association with justice and due process.
In its June 16, 2026 statement, DP At Heart described the incident as part of a concerning pattern of alleged abductions and arbitrary detentions, warning that such developments risk undermining constitutional order and weakening public confidence in state institutions.
The group emphasized that no person should be deprived of liberty outside the procedures established under Uganda’s Constitution and laws, and stressed that the rule of law must apply equally to all citizens regardless of status or affiliation.
The organization further raised concern over what it described as the involvement or perceived involvement of military elements in civilian-related arrests, pointing to the office of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. It called for full accountability and adherence to constitutional limits governing military operations in civilian spaces.
DP At Heart warned that continued use of military structures in the detention of civilians without due process could erode constitutional governance and weaken the principle of civilian supremacy.
The group also placed emphasis on the responsibility of Justice Minister Norbert Mao, noting that as head of the justice docket and President of the Democratic Party, he is expected to provide leadership in defending constitutional rights, due process, and the independence of the legal profession. It further noted that his silence on the matter raises questions about leadership at a critical moment.
The statement added that the increasing normalization of abductions and arbitrary detention risks instilling fear among citizens and undermining trust in both legal and security institutions.
DP At Heart also called on key institutions including Parliament, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the Uganda Law Society, the Judiciary, and the Inspector General of Government to urgently look into the matter, establish the facts, and communicate their findings to the public.
Civil society organizations, religious leaders, and cultural institutions were also urged to speak out, with the group noting that the situation goes beyond an individual case and speaks to broader concerns about constitutional governance and accountability.
The statement further maintained that silence from key actors at such a time could be interpreted as tolerance of the erosion of constitutional safeguards, and stressed the need for collective action in defence of the rule of law.
It concluded by demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Counsel Erias Lukwago, respect for constitutional procedures, and an independent investigation into all circumstances surrounding his alleged abduction and detention.
As public discussion continues to grow, the matter has become a central point in wider debates about civil liberties, military involvement in civilian affairs, and the responsibility of political leadership in upholding constitutional order in Uganda.
