The Makindye Chief Magistrates Court has denied bail to former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago who wanted to be released temporarily on misprision of treason charges.
Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera denied Lukwago bail on the basis that he is likely to interfere with the ongoing state investigations, because he is a person with great influence in the society.
The Court has also ruled that that Lukwago faces a charge that attracts life imprisonment and that although this is not a bar to stop him from getting bail, when she considered other issues in this case, she found that it is necessary for denial of bail.
However, she has ordered the Officer in Charge of Murchison Bay Prison and the Commissioner General of Prisons, within Twenty-four (24) hours from today to make arrangements to refer Lukwago to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a comprehensive medical assessment and treatment.
The Court has also ordered that Lukwago’s wife and one advocate of his choice shall be permitted reasonable access during the referral and treatment process at all times, and shall be allowed to receive a copy of the medical report and recommendations issued by the attending specialists which are subject to the applicable prison regulations and security requirements.
According to the decision, the medical team at Mulago National Referral Hospital shall examine, assess and prepare a written medical report detailing its findings, diagnosis, recommended investigations, treatment, medication, follow-up care and any other recommendations considered necessary for the proper management of the applicant’s medical condition and furnish the same with court.
The same Court has also directed that the Officer in Charge of Murchison Bay Prison shall ensure that the applicant continues to receive all prescribed medication and appropriate medical care pending and following the said assessment and shall implement the recommendations of the attending specialists.
Lukwago had applied for bail citing sickness and other medical grounds.
Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and November 2024, in Uganda and Kenya, Lukwago and others still at large knew of an alleged plot by his clients Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya and others to overthrow the government of Uganda,but failed to report the information to relevant authorities or take reasonable steps to prevent the alleged offence.
The denial of bail implies that Lukwago will return to Court on June 30th 2026 and has been further remanded until then.
Report by : Betty Zziwa
