The dramatic operation, described by family members as a violent raid, unfolded at Lukwago's residence in Wakaliga, Kampala, where soldiers allegedly forced their way into the home and removed the former Kampala Lord Mayor from his bedroom in the presence of his wife and children.
Adding to the controversy, Gen. Muhoozi later posted a series of messages on social media, including one claiming responsibility for Lukwago's detention and another declaring: "I will HANG Kizza Besigye the first chance I get to do it! He wanted to kill my father and he will not escape the punishment that he richly deserves!!"
The remarks immediately triggered widespread reactions across Uganda, with opposition supporters, lawyers, and human rights activists expressing concern over the growing political confrontation between the government and its critics.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the incident, Lukwago's wife, Zawedde Lubwama Lukwago, recounted the frightening moments when armed men identified as Special Forces Command (SFC) soldiers allegedly stormed their home.
"He had just finished having breakfast when we were alerted that soldiers had entered our premises," she said. "They cut the wire over our fence and later came to our door."
According to her account, several armed men in military uniforms, accompanied by one man in civilian clothing believed to be their commander, entered the residence and demanded access to Lukwago.
Zawedde said she attempted to block them from entering the bedroom but was overpowered.
"I tried to resist, but one of them twisted my arm and pushed me to the ground," she alleged.
The soldiers then reportedly entered the bedroom, confiscated Lukwago's phone, searched the house, and bundled him into a waiting Toyota Hiace van commonly known as a "drone."
By Monday afternoon, authorities had not publicly announced any charges against Lukwago, nor disclosed where he was being held.
His lawyer, Medard Lubega Ssegona, condemned the operation and described it as a kidnapping rather than a lawful arrest.
"He has been kidnapped by lawbreakers," Ssegona said. "We are treating this as a case of kidnap with intent to murder until the authorities explain where he is and under what law he is being held."
Ssegona warned that such actions risk deepening political divisions within the country and accused the government of disregarding established legal procedures.
The arrest came amid ongoing legal proceedings involving veteran opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale, both of whom are facing treason-related charges before the High Court. Lukwago is part of the legal team representing the two opposition figures.
According to officials from the People's Front for Freedom (PFF), Lukwago had planned to serve legal documents on Gen. Muhoozi on Monday morning in connection with one of Besigye's court applications challenging alleged violations of his rights.
As news of the arrest spread, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from Ugandans questioning the circumstances of Lukwago's detention and the implications of the military chief's controversial statements.
