Court Denies Lukwago's Plea for Overseas Medical Treatment

Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been committed to the High Court for trial on charges of misprision of treason. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has concluded its investigations into the matter, leading to the committal by Makindye Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera.

Prior to the committal, Lukwago’s legal team had sought permission for him to travel to India for urgent medical treatment at Fortis Memorial Research Institute Hospital. They requested he be allowed to travel under prison guard, with his wife accompanying him at her own expense. An alternative plea was made for prison authorities to replace Lukwago’s medically specialized pillow, which the defence alleged was dismantled by prison officials, and to ensure he receives care in a well-ventilated environment.

Lukwago himself informed the court that his health had deteriorated while in custody. He stated that specialists at Mulago National Referral Hospital had recommended surgery, but prison medical staff were only monitoring his condition. He testified his reliance on sedatives for sleep and appealed to the State to facilitate his treatment to enable him to prepare adequately for his upcoming trial.

However, State Attorney Judith Nyamwiza opposed these requests. She argued that once committal papers were filed, the Magistrate’s Court lost jurisdiction to rule on such matters, directing the defence to seek recourse from the High Court. Chief Magistrate Basemera concurred, stating that the filing of the indictment concluded the Magistrate’s Court’s authority on the matter. She acknowledged Lukwago’s medical needs but stated they could only be addressed through a bail application before the High Court.

Regarding the dispute over the specialized pillow, the magistrate explained that prison authorities had raised security concerns after allegedly discovering a recording device within it. She advised Lukwago’s legal team and family to engage directly with the Uganda Prisons Service to clarify the device’s function. Defence counsel Medard Lubega Ssegona refuted the claim, challenging prison authorities to produce the alleged device and asserting that any dismantled medical equipment should be replaced.

Lukwago, who remains on remand, has not yet entered a plea. Treason-related offences fall under the High Court’s jurisdiction. A hearing date will be set by the High Court. The indictment, signed by Assistant DPP Thomas Jatiko, accuses Lukwago of failing to report information about an alleged plot to overthrow the Ugandan government between 2021 and November 2024. The prosecution alleges that as president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Lukwago was aware of opposition figures’ alleged intentions to commit treason but did not inform authorities or take steps to prevent it.

https://observer.ug/news/court-declines-lukwagos-request-to-travel-abroad-for-treatment