People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Deputy Chairperson, Michael Lulume Bayiga, has questioned who is currently in charge of the country, amid the arrest and continued detention of former Kampala City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Speaking during a press briefing, Lulume raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s arrest, suggesting that there may be uncertainty within the state’s command structure.
He argued that President Yoweri Museveni appeared not to have been aware of Lukwago’s arrest until he was reportedly informed while attending a Cabinet retreat in Kyankwanzi, raising questions about coordination within government and security agencies. Lulume’s remarks came as the PFF confirmed that Lukwago is being held at Kira Division Police Headquarters in Nagalama, Wakiso District.
The party thanked the media, opposition leaders, and members of the public for mounting pressure, saying it helped establish Lukwago’s whereabouts. Lulume also thanked opposition political parties and the Uganda Law Society for speaking out on the matter. He further said the situation reflects a broader pattern of arrests targeting opposition figures, citing the earlier detention of Dr Kizza Besigye. He also referenced remarks attributed to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, suggesting that former Kiira Municipality Member of Parliament, Ibrahim Semujju Nganda, could be next.
On legal representation, Lulume said the party is consulting its legal team to determine the next steps in Lukwago’s defence. The confirmation of Lukwago’s location followed reports that he had been transferred to Kira Division Police Headquarters after being picked up by security personnel on Monday. His former Deputy Lord Mayor, Doreen Nyanjura, said on social media that only Lukwago’s lawyer, Counsel Medard Lubega Ssegona, had been allowed access to him, while other associates were blocked.
“The rest of us have been blocked,” she said. It remains unclear where Lukwago was initially held before his transfer, and authorities have not yet confirmed whether any charges have been filed. Meanwhile, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, posted on X that Lukwago could be released following a request from his wife. “My beloved wife Charlotte has convinced me to release the criminal Lukwago. I will release him because of my love for her,” he wrote-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
