Politics 18 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Erias Lukwago seeks bail for third time, citing prolonged detention
Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has filed a third application for bail, arguing he has been detained for over 60 days without trial. He presents his stable home, legal profession, and proposed sureties as reasons for release. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lukwago-makes-third-bail-bid-cites-60-days-in-detention-without-trial--5562714
Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago is once again petitioning the High Court for his release on bail. This marks his third attempt to secure temporary freedom while facing charges of misprision of treason. Lukwago has been in custody since his arrest on June 17 and subsequent remand at Luzira Prison.
In his latest application, Lukwago’s legal team emphasizes that over 60 days have passed since his remand without the trial commencing. This period, they argue, meets the constitutional threshold for bail as stipulated in Article 23(6)(b) of the Constitution, which allows for bail if an accused person is held for 60 days before their trial begins for an offence triable by the High Court.
Lukwago also presented several assurances to the court that he would attend his trial if released. He highlighted his fixed residence in Kampala and his extensive experience as a lawyer of nearly three decades, stating that he understands his legal obligations. In his affidavit, he declared, “I have no intention whatsoever of absconding from the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court” and committed to “attend my trial to its conclusion and comply with any conditions imposed by court.”
Four individuals have been proposed as sureties: Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, former Rubaga North MP Moses Kasibante, Lukwago’s law partner Katumba Chrisestom, and his elder brother Sewankambo Abdul. Lukwago also cited his age and the challenging conditions of imprisonment as reasons why continued detention would be detrimental to his health and cause him significant prejudice.
The application also references the circumstances of his arrest, which Lukwago described as forceful. He alleges being held in an undisclosed location for approximately two and a half days without access to legal counsel, family, or medical professionals. The State’s case alleges Lukwago had knowledge of a plot to overthrow the government but failed to report it. Lukwago denies these allegations.