Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago did not appear in court on Tuesday after prison authorities told the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court that the opposition lawyer remains too weak and is undergoing specialised treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Instead of seeing Lukwago in the dock, the court received a letter from Uganda Prisons Service […]
Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago did not appear in court on Tuesday after prison authorities told the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court that the opposition lawyer remains too weak and is undergoing specialised treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Instead of seeing Lukwago in the dock, the court received a letter from Uganda Prisons Service explaining that doctors are still carrying out specialised medical investigations and that moving him to court could worsen his condition.
His lawyer, Medard Ssegona, said the defence fully supported the decision.
“For reasons we agree with, Hon. Erias Lukwago has not been produced by prisons,” Ssegona told journalists.
“He is undergoing specialised medical investigations and treatment.”
Ssegona revealed that he had personally visited Lukwago at Mulago on Tuesday morning and found him still weak.
“Yes, we were in Mulago this morning and we confirmed that he is weak.”
According to the lawyer, both doctors and prison authorities felt transporting Lukwago to court would place unnecessary strain on his already fragile condition.
“He is so weak that both prisons and the hospital would not deem it fit to disorganise that frail body by bringing him to court.”
Ssegona said Lukwago’s health has now become the priority.
“I don’t know whether to call him the suspect, the accused or the patient. Right now he is a patient.”
The court adjourned the matter until next Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.
Last week, Chief Magistrate Sarah Anne Basemera denied Lukwago bail despite accepting that he has a permanent home, reliable sureties and genuine medical conditions.
The court ruled that investigations into the alleged offence are still ongoing, involve several suspects and extend beyond Uganda’s borders into Kenya.
The magistrate also noted that Lukwago’s position as a senior lawyer, former Lord Mayor and political leader gives him considerable influence, making it necessary to keep him in custody while investigations continue.
However, recognizing his worsening health, the court ordered his immediate transfer to Mulago Hospital for specialised treatment and directed that both his wife and lawyer be allowed to visit him.
A medical report on his condition is expected when the case returns to court next Tuesday.
