KAMPALA, Uganda — Former Kampala Lord Mayor and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) leader Erias Lukwago has made an emotional appeal to the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court, warning that his deteriorating health and continued detention could amount to a “death sentence” unless he receives urgent specialised medical treatment.
Appearing virtually from Luzira Prison on Tuesday, Lukwago told the court that medical specialists at Mulago National Referral Hospital had diagnosed him with multiple chronic health conditions, including a herniated disc and respiratory complications that require immediate intervention.
The veteran opposition politician said prison conditions were worsening his ailments and preventing doctors’ recommendations from being effectively implemented.
“The consultants are advising me to keep in a well-ventilated place, yet you know the conditions of the prisons. The prisons are not well ventilated,” Lukwago told the court.
“In the natural course, I am sentenced to death. I am condemned to death. If no rescue is made to get my situation as advised by the consultants, it’s a death sentence for me.”
Emotional plea in court
In one of the most emotional moments of the proceedings, Lukwago directly appealed to the presiding magistrate, saying the pain had become unbearable.
“If you can take me, my Lord, kindly take me without a lot of pain. Instead of taking me through all this pain, let me be put on some palliative care so that I die a less painful death. Otherwise, the pain is too much.”
The remarks underscored growing concerns among his legal team and supporters regarding his physical condition since his arrest and remand.
Multiple chronic conditions
Lukwago told the court that doctors had identified five serious medical conditions requiring ongoing treatment and specialised monitoring.
Among them is a respiratory condition he described as permanent lung damage that causes severe breathing difficulties in poorly ventilated environments.
“I have a long complex with what they call residual mild cylindrical bronchitis, which is a permanent damage on my lungs, and once I’m in a place with limited oxygen, I suffer breathlessness,” he said.
He also disclosed complications linked to spinal surgery performed in India in April 2024.
According to Lukwago, specialists diagnosed him with residual cervical radiculopathy following a C6-C7 disc replacement procedure, a condition involving nerve irritation that can cause chronic pain, numbness and weakness.
Medical experts reportedly advised that he return to the surgeons who performed the operation because local specialists were unable to conduct certain MRI investigations due to concerns about compatibility with the implanted devices.
Lawyers push for immediate intervention
Lead defence lawyer Medard Ssegona urged the court to facilitate urgent specialised treatment, arguing that the latest medical assessments revealed conditions that could worsen significantly if left untreated.
“The medical report has revealed ailments that need urgent attention, including a herniated disc that requires immediate treatment to avoid further complications,” Ssegona submitted.
The defence has consistently maintained that prison facilities are ill-equipped to manage Lukwago’s medical needs and that continued detention poses a serious threat to his wellbeing.
Bail denied as health concerns persist
Lukwago’s health has increasingly become a central issue in the legal proceedings following his arrest on charges of misprision of treason.
The charge alleges that between 2021 and November 2024, he knew of an alleged plot involving opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and others to overthrow the government but failed to report it to authorities.
Also Read: Inside Uganda’s explosive treason case involving lawyer Erias Lukwago
Last week, Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera denied him bail, citing ongoing investigations. However, she directed prison authorities to ensure he receives appropriate medical assessment and treatment.
Despite that order, Lukwago insists his condition continues to deteriorate.
Wider political significance
Lukwago remains one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figures and a long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s government. His legal troubles come amid heightened political tensions involving several opposition leaders and activists.
Human rights advocates have previously raised concerns about access to specialised healthcare for detainees, particularly in politically sensitive cases.
Tuesday’s proceedings added a dramatic dimension to the case, with Lukwago openly expressing fears that without immediate medical intervention, his detention could have fatal consequences.
The court adjourned proceedings for one hour to consider the submissions and determine the next course of action regarding his treatment request.
As the case continues, attention is likely to remain focused not only on the treason-related allegations but also on whether prison authorities and the courts will facilitate the specialised care that doctors have reportedly recommended.
