Lukwago’s bail application deferred, further remanded

Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago’s bail application has been deferred until July 16, when the trial chief magistrate is expected to give further directions on medical issues raised by the defence.

Lukwago had asked the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s court to facilitate urgent medical intervention, arguing that his health has deteriorated significantly and that specialists have recommended further treatment in India.

He appeared before court via Zoom from Luzira Prison. Three weeks ago, Lukwago was charged with misprision of treason before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s court.

The prosecution alleges that Lukwago knew of an alleged plot by his clients, jailed opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, to overthrow the government but failed to report it to the authorities. He denied the charge and subsequently applied for bail.

Trial chief magistrate Sarah Basemera earlier declined to release him on bail and instead ordered that he be transferred from prison to Mulago National Referral Hospital for specialised treatment. He was, however, discharged last week and returned to Murchison Bay Prison.

Addressing the court, Lukwago said he had recently been reviewed by senior consultants in orthopaedic and spine surgery on the directive of Mulago Hospital executive director Dr Rosemary Byanyima.

His lawyer, Medard Sseggona, requested that the court first allow Lukwago to address it on his health before any other business was conducted. Sseggona argued that although the magistrate presiding over the session had indicated she lacked jurisdiction to make substantive decisions in the absence of the trial magistrate, the court should nevertheless hear the matter because of its urgency.

Lukwago told the court that he suffers from chronic lung complications that make breathing difficult, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

According to Lukwago, the condition recently affected him during court proceedings when the courtroom windows were closed. He said doctors also identified complications related to a spinal surgery he underwent in India in 2024, during which artificial cervical discs were implanted.

Lukwago explained that doctors were unable to perform an MRI scan because they could not immediately determine whether the implants were compatible with the machine.

Instead, a CT scan was conducted, which reportedly revealed complications requiring review by the neurosurgeons in India who performed the original procedure.

He said specialists advised him to return to India as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment.

“I need to be in India immediately if my life is to be saved,” Lukwago told the court.

The president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) also disclosed that he suffers from hearing and balance disorders, as well as gastrointestinal complications, including severe acid reflux and a mild hiatal hernia.

He said doctors have recommended surgery and a specialised diet to manage the digestive condition, adding that medication is only providing temporary relief.

Lukwago further told the court that he has lived with hypertension for more than 10 years and requires specific sleeping positions to improve circulation and manage his other medical conditions.

He argued that prison conditions do not allow him to comply with those medical recommendations. He also complained that a specialised therapeutic pillow prescribed by doctors before his arrest had been dismantled by prison authorities because it contained electronic components.

According to Lukwago, he has since been unable to use the device, affecting his sleep and forcing him to rely on sedative medication. He told the court that the combined effect of his illnesses and the inability to access the recommended treatment has left him fearing for his life.

Following his submission, chief state attorney Barbra Masinde informed the court that investigations into the case were still ongoing. She said the prosecution had no objection to an adjournment, noting that the magistrate presiding over the session was not handling the substantive aspects of the case.

Masinde added that any decision regarding Lukwago’s medical requests would be made by chief magistrate Sarah Basemera, who is seized of the matter.

The defence also asked the court to direct prison authorities to release Lukwago’s specialised therapeutic pillow to his family for inspection and possible repair, arguing that replacing it could take several months if it had been damaged beyond repair.

The court was informed that Mulago National Referral Hospital had already submitted a medical report dated June 30, 2026, for consideration.

Grade One Magistrate Joan Nanjala adjourned the matter to July 16, 2026, when the trial chief magistrate is expected to issue further directions on Lukwago’s health concerns and bail application.

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