KAMPALA, Uganda — Lawyers representing former Kampala Lord Mayor and opposition politician Erias Lukwago have told the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court that their client suffered a severe hypertension crisis and a recurrence of pre-existing spinal complications while in military detention.
The claims were made on Wednesday during Lukwago’s court appearance, where he was formally charged with misprision of treason and subsequently applied for bail.
Lukwago denied the charge.
Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and November 2024, in Kampala and Nairobi, he became aware of alleged plans to commit treason but failed to report them to the relevant authorities or take reasonable steps to prevent the offence.
The charge sheet references opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, Hajj Obeid Kamulegeya Lutale, Joel Wakayima and Frank Atukunda among individuals allegedly connected to the alleged plans.
The prosecution team was led by Judith Nyamwiza, Caroline Opiya and Gabriel Obua, while Lukwago was represented by a defence team that included Medard Lubega Sseggona, Samuel Muyizzi, Muhammad Nsereko and Mathias Mpuuga.
Defence seeks bail
Following the reading of charges, the defence applied for bail, arguing that Lukwago was entitled to temporary release under Uganda’s Constitution.
Lawyers told the court that Lukwago has a known residence in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, where he lives with his family, and that he has consistently complied with court proceedings whenever granted bail in the past.
They further noted that he is a practising advocate who had undertaken to attend court whenever required and comply with any conditions imposed by the court.
Lawyers detail medical concerns
A central element of the bail application focused on Lukwago’s health.
Sseggona told the court that his client suffers from multiple medical conditions requiring specialised treatment, continuous monitoring and strict adherence to medical advice.
According to the defence, Lukwago suffers from chronic gastritis and requires specialised meals, prescribed medication and close supervision by medical professionals.
The court was also told that he requires regular monitoring of blood pressure and oxygen levels.
The lawyers further disclosed that Lukwago previously underwent surgery in India after suffering a herniated cervical disc involving the C5 and C6 vertebrae. During the procedure, doctors reportedly inserted a metal implant to stabilise the affected area.
The defence argued that the spinal condition deteriorated during his arrest and subsequent detention.
“Following the brutal arrest and management under detention, the same has been dislocated and his pain is excruciating,” Sseggona told the court.
The lawyers said Lukwago now requires urgent neurological examination and specialised treatment.
Hypertension crisis alleged
The defence also claimed that Lukwago experienced a dangerous spike in blood pressure while in custody.
According to court submissions, a medical reading taken shortly before the hearing allegedly recorded his blood pressure at 217/100, a level that lawyers said placed him at significant risk of suffering a stroke.
Sseggona told the court that Lukwago’s condition deteriorated while in military detention and that he required emergency medical intervention.
The defence alleged that security personnel later transferred him from the detention facility after his condition worsened and that a doctor administered emergency medication to stabilise him before he was taken to a police station.
The claims have not been independently verified, and prosecutors had not publicly responded to the medical allegations during the proceedings.
Previous overseas treatment
The defence further argued that some of Lukwago’s medical needs require specialised treatment that has previously necessitated referrals outside Uganda.
According to his lawyers, Uganda’s medical authorities had in the past referred him to hospitals in Nairobi and India because of the complexity of his condition.
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They also told the court that doctors had prescribed daily exercise routines, dietary restrictions and ongoing medical supervision.
The lawyers argued that standard prison meals and conditions could aggravate his health problems.
Bail application pending
In addition to citing his medical condition, the defence noted that Lukwago is 56 years old, has no criminal record and has never absconded when previously granted bail.
Following submissions from both the defence and prosecution, the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court did not immediately determine Lukwago’s bail application. The matter was adjourned to allow the court to review the medical documentation and verify details relating to the proposed sureties.
Prosecutors requested additional time to respond to the application, citing the need to confirm the authenticity of documents submitted in support of the defence case.
The court is expected to deliver its ruling on bail on Monday 22, June 2026.
The case has attracted significant public and political attention because of Lukwago’s role as a senior opposition figure and member of the legal team representing Besigye and his co-accused in ongoing treason proceedings.
