KAMPALA, Uganda — Former Kampala Lord Mayor and opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago has been remanded to Luzira Murchison Bay Prison until June 22 after appearing before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on a charge of misprision of treason.
The court deferred a decision on Lukwago’s bail application, giving prosecutors time to verify medical records submitted by the defence and documents relating to his proposed sureties.
In the interim, the court directed prison authorities to take into account Lukwago’s medical condition and allow his family to coordinate the provision of an orthopaedic mattress while he remains in custody.
Treason-related charge
Lukwago was formally charged on Wednesday with misprision of treason, an offence that alleges a person had knowledge of plans to commit treason but failed to report them to the authorities or take reasonable steps to prevent them.
He denied the charge.
According to the charge sheet, prosecutors allege that between 2021 and November 2024 in Kampala and Nairobi, Lukwago became aware of alleged plans linked to treason but failed to report the information to relevant authorities.
The charge references several individuals, including opposition leader Kizza Besigye, Hajj Obeid Lutale, Joel Wakayima and Frank Atukunda.
The state told court that investigations remain ongoing and requested additional time to complete inquiries.
Defence seeks bail
Lukwago’s legal team, led by lawyer and former Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Sseggona, argued that their client was entitled to bail under Uganda’s Constitution.
The defence told the court that Lukwago has a known place of residence in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, where he lives with his family, and that he has consistently complied with court processes in previous cases.
The lawyers further stated that Lukwago remains a practising advocate and pledged that he would attend court whenever required.
Three legislators were presented as sureties: Betty Aol Ocan, Michael Lulume Bayigga and Betty Nambooze.
Prosecutors requested time to verify supporting documents relating to some of the sureties before responding to the bail application.
Serious health concerns raised
A significant portion of the hearing focused on Lukwago’s health.
The defence argued that he suffers from multiple medical conditions requiring specialised treatment, monitoring and dietary management.
According to court submissions, Lukwago has a history of gastritis, hypertension and respiratory complications that require ongoing medical supervision.
His lawyers also told the court that he previously underwent surgery in India to treat a herniated cervical disc involving the C5 and C6 vertebrae, during which doctors inserted a metal implant.
Sseggona argued that the spinal condition worsened during Lukwago’s recent arrest and detention, leaving him in severe pain and requiring urgent neurological attention.
The defence further claimed that Lukwago experienced a hypertensive crisis while in detention and required emergency medical intervention after his blood pressure reportedly rose to dangerous levels.
Lawyers said he requires specialised meals, regular monitoring of blood pressure and oxygen levels, daily exercise and an environment conducive to managing his medical conditions.
They warned that standard prison meals and inadequate medical support could aggravate his health problems.
Court orders medical consideration
While prosecutors did not immediately oppose Lukwago’s access to medical care, they asked for time to verify the medical documentation presented before court.
The state also did not object to requests for an orthopaedic mattress and specialised medical attention while Lukwago remains on remand.
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In his ruling, the magistrate ordered prison authorities to consider Lukwago’s health needs and directed that he be held at Murchison Bay Prison, which has access to medical facilities.
The court further instructed Lukwago’s family to work with prison authorities to arrange delivery of the orthopaedic mattress.
Bail ruling set for June 22
The prosecution has been given until June 19 to file its response to the bail application, while the defence is expected to submit its rejoinder on June 20.
The court is scheduled to rule on the bail request on June 22.
Lukwago’s case has attracted significant public attention due to his role as a leading opposition figure and defence lawyer in the ongoing treason proceedings involving Besigye and his co-accused.
The outcome of the bail application is expected to be closely watched by political observers, legal professionals and human rights groups.
