DP At Heart, a pressure group within the Democratic Party, has publicly challenged key government officials to address growing public concerns surrounding Lukwago's alleged abduction.
The group says the matter has evolved beyond a single individual and now raises broader questions about constitutional governance, civil liberties, and respect for due process.
Lukwago, a veteran lawyer, former Kampala Lord Mayor, and current leader within the opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), was reportedly taken from his residence by armed security personnel. His supporters and legal colleagues have since questioned the circumstances of his detention, arguing that authorities should provide clarity regarding his whereabouts and legal status.
In a strongly worded statement, DP At Heart urged Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao to publicly speak out on the issue. The group noted that Mao occupies a unique position as both a senior government minister and president of the Democratic Party, giving him a responsibility to defend constitutional principles and the rights of all citizens.
The organization also directed attention toward Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, calling for transparency regarding any military involvement in civilian arrests.
Lukwago, a veteran lawyer, former Kampala Lord Mayor, and current leader within the opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), was reportedly taken from his residence by armed security personnel. His supporters and legal colleagues have since questioned the circumstances of his detention, arguing that authorities should provide clarity regarding his whereabouts and legal status.
In a strongly worded statement, DP At Heart urged Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao to publicly speak out on the issue. The group noted that Mao occupies a unique position as both a senior government minister and president of the Democratic Party, giving him a responsibility to defend constitutional principles and the rights of all citizens.
The organization also directed attention toward Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, calling for transparency regarding any military involvement in civilian arrests.
According to the statement, increasing reports of security operations involving civilians have fueled public concern and heightened debate over the role of military institutions in matters traditionally handled by civilian law enforcement agencies.
DP At Heart warned that failure to address such concerns risks weakening public confidence in state institutions. The group argued that constitutional protections exist to prevent arbitrary arrests and ensure that all citizens are treated fairly under the law regardless of their political beliefs or social standing.
The statement further emphasized that Uganda’s democratic framework depends on respect for legal procedures, judicial independence, and the protection of fundamental rights.
DP At Heart warned that failure to address such concerns risks weakening public confidence in state institutions. The group argued that constitutional protections exist to prevent arbitrary arrests and ensure that all citizens are treated fairly under the law regardless of their political beliefs or social standing.
The statement further emphasized that Uganda’s democratic framework depends on respect for legal procedures, judicial independence, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Any perceived departure from those principles, it said, could have long-term consequences for governance and public trust.
Beyond government leaders, the group called upon Parliament, the Judiciary, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the Uganda Law Society, and other oversight institutions to investigate the matter and provide timely information to the public.
Religious leaders, cultural institutions, and civil society organizations were also encouraged to take an active interest in the case, with DP At Heart arguing that safeguarding constitutional rights is a collective responsibility that extends beyond politics.
Beyond government leaders, the group called upon Parliament, the Judiciary, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the Uganda Law Society, and other oversight institutions to investigate the matter and provide timely information to the public.
Religious leaders, cultural institutions, and civil society organizations were also encouraged to take an active interest in the case, with DP At Heart arguing that safeguarding constitutional rights is a collective responsibility that extends beyond politics.
