Court Denies Erias Lukwago Medical Travel, Commits Him for Treason Trial

Former Kampala Lord Mayor and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) president Erias Lukwago has been committed to the High Court for trial on a charge of misprision of treason. This development follows the conclusion of investigations by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), with Makindye chief magistrate Sarah Basemera overseeing the committal.

Before the committal, Lukwago’s legal team sought permission for him to travel to India for specialized treatment, proposing he be escorted by prison guards and accompanied by his wife at their own expense. An alternative request involved directing prison authorities to replace a dismantled medical pillow and ensure Lukwago is kept in a well-ventilated cell, citing his deteriorating health on remand.

Lukwago himself informed the court that specialists at Mulago National Referral Hospital had recommended surgery, and he was relying on sedatives to sleep. He appealed for state facilitation of his treatment to better prepare for his upcoming trial.

However, the state attorney opposed these applications, arguing that the Magistrate’s Court loses jurisdiction once committal papers are filed. Chief Magistrate Basemera concurred, ruling that the indictment effectively ended her court’s authority and that any relief must be sought from the High Court, where a bail application has already been filed.

Regarding the dispute over Lukwago’s specialized medical pillow, the magistrate noted security concerns raised by prison authorities, who allegedly found a recording device within it. Lukwago’s lawyer denied this, challenging prison officials to produce the alleged device and demanding its replacement if dismantled without cause.

Lukwago, who remains on remand, has not yet entered a plea as treason-related offenses fall under the High Court’s jurisdiction. The DPP intends to rely on various forms of evidence, including audio and video recordings, electronic device examinations, and communication records. The charge stems from allegations that Lukwago, as PFF president, failed to report information about an alleged plot to overthrow the government between 2021 and November 2024, despite knowledge of the plans.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)