Uganda opposition figure seized by soldiers as army chief vows ‘hurt and pain’

KAMPALA, Uganda — An opposition leader in Uganda was arrested on Monday by order of the army chief, whose growing influence in his father’s government has raised concerns among the opposition and human rights advocates.

Erias Lukwago was taken into custody by armed soldiers from his residence after attempting to serve court documents to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who serves as both the army chief and the son of the president. The papers were related to Kainerugaba’s threats against another opposition figure, as reported by Lukwago’s party. Kainerugaba acknowledged the arrest on his social media and issued a warning of “hurt and pain” towards Lukwago.

Lukwago, a former mayor of Kampala and the leader of the People’s Front for Freedom opposition group, also acts as the legal representative for Kizza Besigye, a presidential candidate facing treason charges in a case believed to be politically motivated by his supporters.

Kainerugaba, the eldest son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, has become a controversial figure in national politics. His provocative social media posts and claims of succession to the presidency have stirred debate. With his father’s seventh term inauguration and Kainerugaba’s rise as a de facto ruler, the likelihood of his leadership has increased.

The army chief stated on X social platform that Lukwago had overstepped boundaries by pursuing a case against him, leading to his detention.

“This individual will face the consequences he has been seeking,” he remarked. Subsequently, he shared images of a blindfolded Lukwago seemingly pleading for mercy.

Prior to his arrest, Lukwago expressed to reporters his efforts to hold Kainerugaba accountable for alleged violations of Besigye’s rights, such as his abduction in Nairobi and subsequent imprisonment without bail in Uganda. Kainerugaba has threatened Besigye with hanging, accusing him of planning to assassinate Museveni.

The Uganda Law Society demanded the immediate release of Lukwago, condemning his arrest as a defiance of legal processes. Lukwago’s wife, Zawedde Lukwago, likened her husband’s detention to the dictatorship of Idi Amin, whose regime in the 1970s resulted in widespread human rights abuses.

“If he believes he will lead us next and govern in this manner, we are already saying no,” she asserted, referring to Kainerugaba.

President Museveni has been in power in Uganda since 1986.

For more news on Africa, visit AP’s coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa