KAMPALA, Uganda — Lawyers representing former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago have raised concerns about his health while on remand, warning that he faces a potential risk of Tuberculosis (TB) infection due to conditions at Luzira Prison.
The concerns were presented before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 22, as Lukwago’s legal team pushed for his release on bail in a case where he faces a charge of misprision of treason.
Leading the defence, lawyer Medard Lubega Sseggona told the court that Lukwago’s health remains fragile and that continued incarceration could expose him to serious medical complications.
“We have a fear of a threat of a TB infection. Whereas the Uganda Prisons authorities are well-intentioned in managing this fragile inmate, a TB ward is just close to where he is staying,” Sseggona submitted.
According to the defence team, overcrowding within the prison facility has heightened concerns about Lukwago’s vulnerability to infectious diseases.
Sseggona told the court that at one point, a tuberculosis patient was reportedly housed in the same area where Lukwago is being held before being relocated following objections from other inmates.
“It is crowded to the extent that at some point, a TB patient was brought to his room where he is with another inmate, and was managed there until other occupants pushed and he was removed,” he said.
The defence argued that such exposure presents a significant risk given Lukwago’s current health status.
Lukwago’s lawyers further told the court that recent medical assessments indicated a decline in his white blood cell count, which they said could weaken his ability to fight infections.
“With his fragile health, a TB infection however minute would be catastrophic, especially where his blood sample was taken and the results established that his white blood cells have continued to diminish,” Sseggona argued.
The defence team maintained that Lukwago requires close medical monitoring and that continued detention could aggravate his condition.
The health concerns form a central part of the defence’s effort to secure bail for Lukwago, who was charged last week and subsequently remanded to Luzira Prison until June 23.
Prosecutors accuse the opposition politician of misprision of treason, an offence that involves allegedly failing to report information relating to a treason plot. Lukwago has denied the charge.
His legal team argues that he qualifies for bail based on his known residence, public profile, professional standing, and commitment to attending court proceedings whenever required.
Also Read: Inside Uganda’s explosive treason case involving lawyer Erias Lukwago
Lukwago is the president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and is also a member of the legal team representing opposition figures Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale in a separate treason-related case.
The prosecution was expected to respond to the bail application before a ruling could be delivered.
However, the court deferred its decision, with the magistrate scheduling the ruling for 2:00 p.m. on Monday.
The outcome is being closely watched by opposition supporters, legal observers and human rights groups, who view the case as one of several politically sensitive prosecutions currently before Uganda’s courts.
As of press time, Lukwago remained in custody awaiting the court’s determination on his bail application.
