By Spy Uganda
Veteran journalist and political commentator Andrew Mwenda has claimed that Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago could regain his freedom on Monday after Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba reportedly decided not to oppose his bail application.
Mwenda told Spy Uganda Chief Andrew Irumba Katusabe during a conversation at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Saturday, where guests had gathered to commemorate the late Rajiv Ruparelia through the adoption and naming of a chimpanzee in his honour.
According to Mwenda, he recently spoke with the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who reportedly indicated that authorities would not object to Lukwago’s anticipated bail application.
“On Monday he will be out. I spoke to Gen Muhoozi. They don’t intend to object to his bail application on Monday,” Mwenda said.
Asked why Lukwago had been arrested in the first place, Mwenda defended the decision, arguing that security agencies felt it was necessary to set clear boundaries regarding attempts to summon military officials through legal processes.
According to Mwenda, authorities believed that acting before the court papers were formally served would avoid a situation in which they could later be accused of disobeying a court order.
“He would rather disobey Lukwago than disobey the court,” Mwenda said while explaining what he described as the reasoning behind the decision.
Mwenda further suggested that the move was intended to send a message about the relationship between civilian legal actions and the military establishment, although he maintained that Lukwago’s continued detention was not intended to be prolonged.
Similarly, details regarding Lukwago’s bail application and the charges he faces remained unclear, with official confirmation expected when the matter comes before court on Monday.
If granted bail, Lukwago’s release would mark a significant development in a case that has attracted public attention and sparked debate among political actors and legal observers.
Observers will now be watching Monday’s court proceedings closely to determine whether the anticipated release materialises.
