KAMPALA — Concern continued to grow on Tuesday over the detention of opposition figure and senior lawyer Erias Lukwago, with his lawyer, Medard Lubega Sseggona, alleging that authorities had obstructed efforts to establish his client's whereabouts and condition.
Speaking to supporters and journalists, Sseggona described what he called a frustrating search through multiple law enforcement and security institutions, claiming that attempts to obtain official information about Lukwago's detention had yielded little success.
According to the lawyer, he and other associates visited several police stations and security offices, including the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), seeking information and attempting to file complaints regarding Lukwago's arrest. However, he alleged that officials either denied knowledge of the matter or declined to formally receive complaints.
"We went to several institutions seeking answers, but we were unable to obtain a formal record or reference that could help us establish where he was being held," Sseggona said.
The lawyer also raised concerns about Lukwago's health and wellbeing, arguing that his client requires prescribed medication, special dietary support and access to proper medical care.
He further alleged that Lukwago had been subjected to mistreatment while in custody, although those claims had not been independently verified by the time of publication.
Sseggona described the situation as a broader test of constitutional rights and the rule of law, arguing that public institutions appeared unable or unwilling to provide accountability regarding the detention.
He urged Ugandans and members of the international community to speak out against what he described as growing impunity.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," Sseggona said, citing the words of late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.. "Nobody is safe until we are all safe."
During his remarks, the lawyer also criticised what he described as the concentration of power within Uganda's security establishment. He alleged that institutions such as Parliament and the police had become reluctant to challenge powerful actors, creating an atmosphere of fear among citizens and public officials.
Sseggona appealed directly to President Museveni to intervene, arguing that the country's leadership had a responsibility to ensure that state institutions operate within the law and respect the rights of all citizens.
He further questioned whether Uganda's democratic institutions were functioning independently, suggesting that political pressure and fear had weakened their oversight role.
The comments reflect wider concerns among opposition supporters and human rights advocates regarding the treatment of political figures and activists.
Human rights organisations have previously called for greater transparency in arrests and detentions, particularly in politically sensitive cases.
As of publication, authorities had not publicly responded to the specific allegations raised by Sseggona. Efforts by family members and legal representatives to establish Lukwago's exact condition and location were ongoing.
The developments have intensified public debate over civil liberties, due process and the balance between security operations and constitutional rights in Uganda.
Supporters of Lukwago continue to demand information regarding his welfare, while his legal team insists that authorities provide immediate access to him and disclose the legal basis for his detention.