Kampala, Uganda – June 22, 2026
The Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court has postponed its ruling on a bail application filed by former Kampala Lord Mayor and prominent opposition politician Erias Lukwago, extending his stay in Luzira Prison as the high-profile misprision of treason case continues to attract national attention.
Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera informed both the defence and prosecution that the ruling, which had been expected on Monday afternoon, was not yet ready. Instead, the court directed that the decision would be delivered electronically within 24 hours and scheduled the matter for mention on June 30, 2026.
The development came after a day marked by uncertainty and heightened anticipation among supporters, lawyers, and members of the public who had gathered to hear the court’s decision on whether Lukwago would be released on bail.
Earlier in the afternoon, court officials entered the courtroom and held consultations with members of the defence team. The lawyers were later summoned into the Chief Magistrate’s chambers, where they were joined by state prosecutors. Shortly thereafter, Lukwago was escorted from the chambers and transported back to Luzira Prison.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, defence lawyer Medard Ssegona confirmed that the parties had been informed that the ruling was incomplete and would instead be issued within 24 hours through electronic communication.
Health Concerns Dominate Bail Arguments
The defence team mounted a strong case for Lukwago’s temporary release, citing serious health concerns. Led by Ssegona and supported by a legal team that included Joseph Ssewungu, Mathias Mpuuga, Miriam Nalwoga, and Proscovia Kunihira, the lawyers argued that their client is suffering from a severe spinal disc condition that has worsened during detention.
According to the defence, medical reports indicate that Lukwago’s condition has continued to deteriorate despite receiving physiotherapy treatment and being provided with an orthopedic mattress while in prison custody.
The lawyers also raised concerns about the possibility of contracting tuberculosis, alleging that an inmate diagnosed with active TB was being held in the same prison ward as Lukwago. They further argued that medical assessments had revealed a declining white blood cell count and a weakened immune system, factors they said increased the urgency of specialized medical intervention.
The defence requested that the court either grant bail on humanitarian and medical grounds or order the prison authorities to transfer Lukwago to Mulago National Referral Hospital for specialized treatment.
Prosecution Opposes Release
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions vigorously opposed the application.
State Attorneys Carol Opiya and Judith Nyamwiza argued that Lukwago should remain in custody because of the seriousness of the charge and ongoing investigations. They maintained that the offence carries a potential life sentence, creating a significant risk that the accused could abscond if released.
The prosecution further contended that Lukwago’s status as a senior lawyer and influential political figure could enable him to interfere with witnesses or undermine investigations.
Government prosecutors also dismissed claims that his health condition could not be managed in prison, arguing that the Uganda Prisons Service has adequate medical facilities and treatment capacity through Murchison Bay Hospital.
Additionally, the state challenged the suitability of the sureties presented by the defence, claiming that some of them lived far from Lukwago’s residence and would therefore be unable to effectively supervise him if granted bail.
Chief State Attorney Barbara Masinde urged the court to rely on the written submissions already filed by both parties, noting that all relevant evidence had been presented before the court.
Case Continues to Draw National Attention
Lukwago was arrested on June 15, 2026, and charged with misprision of treason. Prosecutors allege that he failed to report information relating to an alleged plot to overthrow the government between 2021 and 2024 in Uganda and Kenya. He has denied the allegations.
The case has generated significant political and legal interest because of Lukwago’s standing as a former Kampala Lord Mayor, a senior advocate, a leading member of the opposition-linked People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), and a member of the legal team representing opposition politician Kizza Besigye.
Political analysts and legal observers say the court’s forthcoming decision will be closely watched, as it could shape public perceptions regarding the balance between national security concerns, individual rights, and access to justice in Uganda’s evolving political landscape.
The anticipated ruling will determine whether Lukwago remains on remand while investigations continue or is released under court-imposed bail conditions pending trial.
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