The wife of detained People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) president Erias Lukwago has expressed concern over his health following his remand to Luzira Prison, saying years of alleged torture and physical abuse have left him requiring specialized medical care.
Speaking to journalists at the Uganda Law Society offices, Zawedde Lubwama said her husband has endured a heavy physical toll due to his activism and human rights work.
“He is a human rights fighter. He has been beaten about,” she said.
Lubwama said some of Lukwago’s injuries date back to earlier arrests, including an incident in Wandegeya where he was allegedly mishandled by security personnel.
“He got a problem in his back. It was because of some incident in Rwanda where they threw him down because they arrested him,” she said.
She added that the injuries have required ongoing treatment, with doctors prescribing a strict recovery regimen.
“He has prescribed food, sitting position and sleeping position. All this is a healing process,” she said.
Lubwama further said she was alarmed by his condition after his latest arrest, claiming that he reported being tortured while in detention.
“Yesterday he said he was in much pain. He had been tortured,” she said.
She also said Lukwago suffers from breathing complications and lung-related conditions, which make his detention more concerning.
“He has breathing problems. He has issues with lungs,” she said.
Lubwama questioned the decision to remand him to Luzira Prison, arguing that he should have been taken to a medical facility instead.
“I didn’t feel it was prudent to have him sent to Luzira. They should have been sent to Mulago and perhaps be guarded from there,” she said.
Lukwago was arrested by security operatives on Monday and held for several hours before being produced in court and remanded on charges related to misprision of treason.
Lubwama thanked Lukwago’s legal team, family members and supporters for standing with him during the case, as well as Ugandans who have expressed solidarity online.
“I thank the legal team. I thank his family. We thank everyone who has been with us,” she said.
She also criticized what she described as the manner of his treatment by authorities, saying it had undermined his contributions and embarrassed the country.
“It has portrayed him as someone who is unimportant. They don’t know,” she said.
Lubwama called for broader public solidarity, urging Ugandans not to remain silent in the face of injustice.
“We need a voice. We need to get away from our comfort zones and fight for the cause of the good. Because once one is attacked, then all are attacked,” she said.
She added that the family remains hopeful for bail but uncertain about the outcome.
“Stand with us still because we need you. We don’t know where we’re going to end. If we are able to get bail, I believe we’ll come out of this and get back to the beginning,” she said.