Uganda Prisons Service spokesperson, Frank Baine has responded to growing public concern over the detention of former Kampala Lord Mayor and senior lawyer Erias Lukwago, emphasizing that prison authorities only receive suspects after they have gone through the legally established judicial process.
Speaking about Lukwago’s recent admission to Luzira Prison, Baine clarified that the opposition politician was formally handed over to prison authorities following court proceedings and in accordance with the law.
He stressed that the Uganda Prisons Service does not arrest individuals, noting that its role begins only after suspects have been processed by the relevant authorities and committed to prison custody by the courts.
“The individual I received did not come from his home. The person we received came from court, and the court had specific instructions,” Baine said.
Lukwago was arrested from his home in mid-June 2026 and later charged with misprision of treason. Prosecutors allege that he withheld information related to an ongoing treason case involving his longtime client and opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Following his court appearance, Lukwago was remanded to Luzira Prison and is expected to return to court on June 22, 2026.
His arrest and subsequent detention have sparked widespread debate among legal experts, political commentators, and opposition supporters. Many have questioned the circumstances surrounding the charges and the manner in which the veteran lawyer was detained.
Despite the controversy, prison authorities maintain that their responsibility is limited to receiving suspects who have been legally processed and remanded by the courts, distancing themselves from the arrest and charging procedures that precede imprisonment.
As the case continues to attract national attention, all eyes remain on the upcoming court appearance, which could shape the next chapter in one of Uganda’s most closely watched political and legal battles
