Opposition Members of Parliament have called for an urgent recall of Parliament from recess to debate what they describe as a shrinking civic space and the conduct of some officers of the Uganda People's Defence Forces following the arrest of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
The legislators have petitioned Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth to convene a special sitting of the House, arguing that recent events surrounding Lukwago’s arrest warrant urgent parliamentary scrutiny.
Lukwago, who also serves as lead counsel to opposition figure Kizza Besigye, was arrested in circumstances that have generated widespread debate among political leaders, lawyers and civil society actors.
Addressing journalists at Parliament on Tuesday, Opposition MPs led by Mukono Municipality legislator and Chairperson of the National Unity Platform (NUP) Parliamentary Caucus, Betty Nambooze Bakireke, condemned both the arrest and Lukwago’s treatment while in detention.
“The arrest and treatment of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has caused pain and distress not just to the UPDF, but to Uganda’s reputation globally,” Nambooze said.
“We are still stressed by the manner in which Dr Besigye’s lawyer was arrested and treated while in detention. This is total impunity that must be condemned by all people of goodwill,” she added.
The Opposition lawmakers argued that the conduct exhibited during the arrest reflects negatively on both the country and the military institution.
“These actions are depicting Uganda and the UPDF forces so negatively on the international stage,” Nambooze said. “We are asking the President to restrain his CDF from conducting himself in an unbecoming manner.”
The legislators said Parliament should not remain silent on what they described as growing concerns over civic freedoms and the conduct of security agencies.
“We want the Speaker to consider calling the House from recess for a special sitting to discuss this matter before it gets out of hand,” Nambooze said.
Parliament is currently on recess, and the Speaker’s office had not publicly responded to the request by Tuesday evening.
The controversy surrounding Lukwago’s arrest appeared to ease somewhat after Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba indicated through a post on X that Lukwago would be released.
The development was welcomed by both opposition and ruling party legislators, who expressed hope that the matter could be resolved peacefully.
Lukwago’s arrest has also attracted criticism from sections of the legal fraternity, civil society organisations and political actors who argue that actions targeting defence lawyers risk undermining the constitutional right to legal representation and a fair hearing.
The incident comes amid ongoing debate over the state of civil liberties and political freedoms in Uganda ahead of the 2026 general election cycle.
Opposition parties and rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about arrests of political actors and restrictions on civic activities, while government officials maintain that security agencies operate within the law to preserve public order and national security.
Should the Speaker approve the request, Parliament would be required to reconvene during recess to deliberate on the concerns raised by the Opposition and consider possible resolutions regarding the conduct of security agencies and the protection of civic freedoms.