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A pressure group within Uganda’s Democratic Party, DP At Heart, has issued a strong condemnation of the abduction and detention of prominent lawyer, former Kampala Lord Mayor and opposition figure Counsel Erias Lukwago, warning that the incident signals a dangerous erosion of the rule of law in the country.
In a statement released today, the group described Lukwago — widely known by the nickname “Rule of Law” for his consistent defence of constitutional governance — as a fearless champion of citizens’ rights. It expressed alarm over his seizure from his home in Wakaliga by armed security personnel on Monday morning and the subsequent public sharing of images and statements relating to his detention.
The group said the targeting of a legal practitioner in the course of his professional duties undermines the independence of the legal profession and raises serious questions about respect for due process and civilian supremacy.
Julius Dumba, DP Spokesperson for Rubaga and one of the leaders of the DP At Heart faction, said the abduction represents a direct threat to democratic values.
“This abduction of Counsel Lukwago from his home by armed security personnel is not just an attack on one individual but a direct assault on the very foundations of our democracy and the rule of law,” Dumba stated. “DP At Heart stands firmly with him and demands his immediate release.”
He added that the group remains deeply concerned about any perceived involvement of military elements under the Chief of Defence Forces.
“The office of the CDF must be held to the highest standards of accountability. Any involvement or perceived complicity by military elements in the abduction or detention of civilians strikes at the heart of civilian supremacy and constitutional order,” Dumba said.
Kirya Ismail, UYD President Emeritus and a key figure associated with the DP At Heart movement, also weighed in, drawing parallels with Uganda’s painful history.
“History is watching. The tragic fate of the late Benedicto Kiwanuka serves as a stark reminder of what happens when silence prevails in the face of injustice,” Ismail said. “Hon. Norbert Mao and others entrusted with safeguarding constitutionalism must wake up to this moment.”
Ismail further called for collective action across society.
“This is an attack on all of us. We call upon the people of Uganda, civil society, religious leaders, cultural institutions and all people of conscience to speak out, stand in solidarity and demand the immediate and unconditional release of Counsel Erias Lukwago,” he stated.
In its statement, DP At Heart called on the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, to speak out clearly and demonstrate leadership in defence of the Constitution. It also urged constitutional bodies — including the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Parliament, the Uganda Law Society, the Judiciary and the Inspector General of Government — to immediately investigate the violations and uphold their mandates.
The group demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Lukwago, full respect for constitutional safeguards and due process, and an independent investigation with accountability for all actions that undermine the rule of law, including any role played by military authorities.
“Uganda cannot prosper where the law is applied selectively, where citizens live in fear, or where public officials and military figures act outside the confines of the Constitution,” the statement read.
DP At Heart reaffirmed its solidarity with Lukwago, his family, the legal fraternity and all Ugandans who continue to believe in justice, democracy and constitutional governance.
The statement ends with the group’s rallying call: “For God and our Country. For Truth and Justice. For Rule of Law.”
, https://eastafricanwatch.net/dp-at-heart-condemns-abduction-of-erias-lukwago-demands-immediate-release-and-full-accountability/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dp-at-heart-condemns-abduction-of-erias-lukwago-demands-immediate-release-and-full-accountability
