KAMPALA — A magistrate's court in Kampala charged Erias Lukwago with misprision of treason on Wednesday. This charge followed his seizure by soldiers on Monday, which occurred under orders from army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Soldiers seized Lukwago from his home by scaling the property's perimeter wall. Kainerugaba later posted photographs on social media showing a blindfolded Lukwago in an unidentified location. Lukwago is the president of the People's Front for Freedom opposition group and a former mayor of Kampala. He also serves as an attorney for Kizza Besigye, a former presidential candidate currently detained on treason charges.

The presiding magistrate indicated that the charge stems from an alleged failure by Lukwago to report treason committed by others. Prosecutors said the charge pertains to an unreported treasonous plot organized in Kenya between 2021 and 2024. Lukwago denied his involvement in court, stating, "I am the one who has been counsel in that case. How could I be counsel in a case I am involved in?"

The court remanded Lukwago in custody. A request for his bail on medical grounds was adjourned until June 22. On Wednesday, Kainerugaba wrote on social media, "Lukwago will be in prison for a minimum of 10 years." He also stated on social media, "I'm proud of all the hurt and pain I will inflict on the criminal Lukwago!"

Lukwago's family filed a court petition demanding security forces disclose his whereabouts after his seizure. The Uganda Law Society also issued a statement, calling for Lukwago's immediate release. Kainerugaba, who attended military schools in the U.S. and Britain, stated that the parliamentary speaker and deputy serve as envoys to the legislature for his political group.