Lukwago further remanded as court delays bail ruling
Court officials did not provide detailed reasons for deferring the ruling but indicated that the decision would be communicated electronically within the stipulated timeframe.
The Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court has further remanded Erias Lukwago after postponing its ruling on his bail application in a case where he is charged with misprision of treason.
Lukwago, a senior lawyer and former Lord Mayor of Kampala, appeared before the court on Friday expecting a decision on his application for release on bail.
However, the court deferred the ruling and informed the parties that the decision would instead be delivered electronically via email within the next 24 hours.
The postponement means that Lukwago will remain in custody until the court communicates its decision on the application.
The development comes amid heightened public interest in the case, which has drawn attention from legal practitioners, political actors and civil society groups.
Lukwago is facing a charge of misprision of treason, an offence that involves allegedly concealing knowledge of treason or failing to report information relating to the commission of the offence.
During the proceedings, members of the defence team urged the court to grant their client bail, arguing that he meets the legal requirements for temporary release as the case progresses through the judicial process.
The prosecution, meanwhile, maintained its position before the court as the matter awaits determination.
The bail application has attracted regional attention following the reported denial of entry into Uganda of Kenyan lawyer and senior counsel Martha Karua, who is part of the legal team representing opposition figure Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Obeid Lutale in related proceedings.
Court officials did not provide detailed reasons for deferring the ruling but indicated that the decision would be communicated electronically within the stipulated timeframe.
Legal observers say the forthcoming ruling will determine whether Lukwago continues to be held on remand or is released on bail pending further hearings.
The case remains one of the most closely watched legal proceedings in the country, with supporters and legal professionals awaiting the court’s decision expected within the next day.
