Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court will today at 2:00pm decide whether Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago will be released on bail or remain in custody, after his lawyers made an emotional plea, warning that his health is deteriorating behind bars. The defence team led by lawyer Medard Ssegona told court that Lukwago is battling severe pain […]
Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court will today at 2:00pm decide whether Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago will be released on bail or remain in custody, after his lawyers made an emotional plea, warning that his health is deteriorating behind bars.
The defence team led by lawyer Medard Ssegona told court that Lukwago is battling severe pain and requires urgent specialised medical attention that cannot be provided within prison or any other available facility in Uganda.
Ssegona told court that Lukwago urgently needs an MRI scan, but the required equipment is currently unavailable.
He said the defence had been informed by the Director of Health Services that the machine needed for the examination was not available, raising fears that Lukwago’s condition could worsen while he remains detained.
The lawyers told court that while Uganda Prisons authorities have attempted to manage Lukwago’s condition by providing an orthopaedic bed and physiotherapy, his continued detention exposes him to additional health risks.
Ssegona raised concerns over the possibility of Lukwago contracting infections, particularly tuberculosis, due to the environment where he is being held.
He explained that a tuberculosis ward is located close to the area where Lukwago stays, adding that the prison environment is crowded.
According to the lawyer, there was an incident where a patient was brought into Lukwago’s room for management before other occupants were later removed.
Ssegona warned that contracting tuberculosis could severely weaken Lukwago’s already fragile health.
The defence further informed court that medical results showed that Lukwago’s white blood cell performance was declining, meaning his body’s ability to fight infections could be affected.
The defence argued that Lukwago’s medical condition requires a controlled environment, constant monitoring and specialised treatment.
In his bail application , Ssegona told court that Lukwago suffers from several health complications, including:
Hypertension
Respiratory complications affecting his breathing
Spinal complications requiring neurological intervention
The lawyers presented medical documents indicating that Lukwago had been diagnosed with left-sided neuroforaminal stenosis, with doctors recommending surgical decompression.
They argued that the medical evidence before court clearly shows that Lukwago requires special management that may not be available under ordinary prison conditions.
The defence also told court that Lukwago cannot eat normal meals like other inmates.
They explained that he requires specially prepared meals in small portions at specific intervals, followed by medication under medical supervision.
Ssegona also told court that bail is a constitutional right guaranteed under Article 23 of the Constitution and that Lukwago remains innocent until proven guilty.
He argued that the seriousness of the allegations against Lukwago cannot be used as the only reason to deny him bail.
The lawyers told court that Lukwago has a permanent home in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, is a well-known advocate practising under Lukwago and Company Advocates, and has always complied with legal obligations.
They also argued that he is not a flight risk because he remains actively involved in court matters, including representing Dr. Kizza Besigye in a treason case whose mention is scheduled for June 30, 2026.
To support the bail application, the defence presented several proposed sureties.
They included former Leader of Opposition and Gulu City Woman MP Betty Aol Ochan, Mukono Municipality MP Florence Nambooze, and People Power Front deputy president Richard Lulume.
The defence presented identification documents for the sureties, including parliamentary identification cards.
However, prosecution raised concerns that some documents, including local council letters and introduction letters, had not been provided.
The state argued that Uganda Prisons has qualified medical personnel and specialised doctors capable of managing inmates with health challenges.
Prosecution maintained that court should not assume Lukwago cannot receive treatment in prison unless prison authorities officially confirm that they are unable to manage his condition.
The state also asked court to consider allowing Lukwago access to necessary medical equipment, including an orthopaedic mattress and cardiac bed, while in custody.
Today in Court, the prosecution team led by Barbra Bagide told court that the state had filed written submissions opposing bail.
Lukwago is facing charges of misprision of treason.
Prosecution alleges that between 2021 and 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya and Kampala, Uganda, Lukwago, together with others including Dr. Kizza Besigye, Joel Wakayima and Frank Atukunda, allegedly became aware of treason-related plans but failed to report the information to relevant authorities.
Lukwago has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
All eyes are now on Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court as it prepares to deliver the highly anticipated bail
