Former Kampala Lord Mayor and lawyer Erias Lukwago was on Monday morning taken away from his home in Wakaliga by armed security personnel in an operation that has raised questions among family members, lawyers and political supporters.
According to eyewitness accounts, armed men dressed in Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) uniforms surrounded Lukwago's residence in Bulwa Zone, Wakaliga, before entering the premises and taking him away at around 10am.
Residents reported that security personnel had been deployed around the area for some time before the operation. Two vehicles, commonly referred to as "drones," were allegedly used.
One vehicle reportedly bore registration number UBL 124E, while the other had no visible registration plates.
When news spread that security personnel had surrounded the area, journalists visited the scene and found heightened security around the neighborhood.
Although there was initially no visible activity at Lukwago's residence, a van bearing registration number UBL 124E was observed stationed near the home. Witnesses said the vehicle later moved after its occupants appeared to realize they were being watched.
Residents and boda boda riders described unusual movements around the area, suggesting that access to the neighborhood had effectively been restricted ahead of the operation.
Witnesses further alleged that some of the security personnel entered the compound before opening the gate for others waiting outside.
At approximately 10am, Lukwago was escorted from the residence and driven away to an unknown destination.
The development left family members and close associates demanding answers about the circumstances surrounding the operation. They questioned why Lukwago had been taken in what they described as a forceful manner and alleged that he was not allowed to leave with his medication.
His wife, Zawedde Lubwama, condemned the operation, arguing that her husband is a law-abiding citizen who would have complied had he been formally summoned by authorities.
Lawyer and former Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Sseggona also criticised what he described as irregular arrest procedures and called on security agencies to adhere to established legal processes.
Sseggona questioned why military personnel would detain Lukwago without publicly stating the reasons for his arrest or presenting any known charges.
By press time, the Uganda Police Force said it had no information regarding Lukwago's arrest. The UPDF and other security agencies had not issued an official statement explaining the operation or confirming his whereabouts.
The circumstances surrounding the arrest remain unclear.