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Uganda Army Chief Boasts After Soldiers Seize Opposition Lawyer

Public posts by the army chief signal growing military impunity that threatens the rule of law.

Uganda's veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye's lawyers, Erias Lukwago, and Martha Karua walk after a court proceeding at the High Court in Kampala, Uganda, June 11, 2026. REUTERS/Abubaker Lubowa
Army chief Kainerugaba has made no secret of his wish to succeed his father, President Yoweri Museveni

Overview

  • The People's Front for Freedom said soldiers took Erias Lukwago from his home and moved him to an unknown location, a claim reported by Reuters, AFP and AP on Monday.
  • Army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba posted images of a man said to be Lukwago on X and wrote that he would inflict "hurt and pain" on him, openly claiming responsibility for the detention.
  • Sources say Lukwago was preparing to serve a court summons against Kainerugaba related to the abduction and detention of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, suggesting the seizure targeted ongoing legal action.
  • Officials from the Ugandan military and police did not respond to requests for comment and Reuters said it could not independently verify the reports, while rights groups and Lukwago's family called the act unlawful.
  • The incident follows a pattern of threatening social media posts by Kainerugaba and raises the risk that lawyers and opposition figures will be intimidated from using courts, deepening fears about impunity and shrinking civic space.