The Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded Erias Lukwago to Luzira Murchison Bay Prison until Monday, June 22, pending a ruling on his bail application.
The court directed prison authorities to take into account Lukwago’s medical conditions and allow his family to arrange an orthopaedic mattress for him. His lawyers told court that he was in “excruciating pain” after being forced to sleep on the floor during detention.
The court considered a number of medical concerns raised by the defence team, including a damaged spinal disc that the former Kampala Lord Mayor reportedly suffered while in detention.Lukwago appeared before court on Wednesday and was charged with Misprision of Treason, a charge he denied.
According to the charge sheet, Lukwago and others still at large allegedly knew about plans to commit treason between 2021 and November 2024 in Kampala and Nairobi, Kenya.The charge names Joel Wakayima, Frank Atukunda, Hajj Obeid Kamulegeya Lutale and Dr Kizza Besigye among those allegedly involved in the plans.Prosecution alleges that Lukwago failed to report the alleged plans to a minister, administrative official, magistrate or officer in charge of a police station.
He is also accused of failing to take reasonable steps to prevent the alleged treason.
The state informed court that investigations are still ongoing and requested more time.Lukwago’s lawyer, Medard Sseggona, applied for bail, arguing that it is a constitutional right.
He told court that Lukwago has a permanent residence in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, where he lives with his wife and children, and that his residence is known to the state.The defence further stated that Lukwago is a practising advocate who has undertaken to attend court whenever required and comply with all bail conditions.Gulu City Woman MP Betty Aol Ocan, Michael Lulume Bayigga and Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke were presented as sureties.However, the prosecution requested copies of introduction letters for the first two sureties.
Sseggona told court that Lukwago suffers from several medical conditions requiring specialised treatment and constant monitoring.He said Lukwago suffers from gastritis and requires specialised meals under medical supervision. The court heard that he must eat small portions at prescribed intervals and take medication after meals.The defence also stated that Lukwago requires regular monitoring of his blood pressure and oxygen levels.According to Sseggona, Lukwago previously suffered a herniated disc involving the C5 and C6 vertebrae in his neck and underwent surgery in Delhi, India, where doctors inserted a metal implant.The lawyer alleged that the injury worsened during Lukwago’s arrest and detention, leaving him in severe pain and in need of urgent neurological treatment.The defence further argued that Lukwago suffers from respiratory complications requiring a well-ventilated environment and regular medical observation.Sseggona said Lukwago’s hypertension had worsened in the days leading up to his court appearance. He told court that a blood pressure reading taken about an hour before the hearing stood at 217/100, placing him at risk of suffering a stroke.The lawyer further alleged that Lukwago suffered a hypertension crisis while in military custody and was only stabilised after receiving emergency medication before being transferred to a police station.The defence said Uganda’s medical board had previously referred Lukwago for specialised treatment in Nairobi and India.Lawyers also informed court that Lukwago has dietary restrictions and prescribed daily walking routines, arguing that standard prison meals, including posho and beans, could worsen his condition.
Sseggona noted that Lukwago is 56 years old, has no criminal record and has never absconded after being granted bail in previous cases.The prosecution did not immediately respond to the bail application, saying it needed time to verify the medical documents and information concerning the sureties.
However, the state agreed with the defence’s request for Lukwago to receive medical care and access to an orthopaedic mattress while on remand.The magistrate gave the prosecution until Friday, June 19, to respond to the bail application.
The defence will file its rejoinder electronically on Saturday, June 20.A ruling on the bail application is expected on Monday, June 22.“Counsel Medard has ably applied for bail, and the state has not responded to the same. They say they need to verify some documents for the medical conditions,” the magistrate said.The magistrate ordered that Lukwago be remanded to Murchison Bay Prison due to the availability of medical facilities at the prison.“The prison authorities are directed to take into account his medical conditions. He is remanded to Murchison Bay Prison because that is where the hospital is,” the magistrate ruled.The court also directed Lukwago’s family to work with prison authorities to arrange for the orthopaedic mattress.
