Lukwago remains in Luzira after High Court throws out bail request
Supporters of the opposition politician gathered outside court and expressed disappointment with the decision, while his legal team said it would study the ruling before deciding on the next course of action.
Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago will remain on remand after the High Court on Thursday dismissed his application for bail, ruling that the medical evidence presented by his lawyers was not sufficient to warrant his release.
Justice David Matovu said the court had considered the submissions of both the defence and the prosecution but found that the medical report relied upon by the applicant had not been certified by the Uganda Prisons Service, as required in applications based on ill health.
Lukwago’s lawyers had told court that a team of consultants from Mulago National Referral Hospital recommended specialised spinal assessment and treatment, with the possibility of referral abroad.
They argued that his continued detention posed risks to his health and that he had complied with all constitutional requirements for bail.
The defence further presented several prominent sureties, including Members of Parliament and other public figures, and maintained that Lukwago had a known place of residence and was not a flight risk.
However, Justice Matovu held that the court could not rely solely on external medical reports without confirmation from prison medical authorities that the inmate’s condition could not be adequately managed while in custody.
Lukwago is facing a charge of misprision of treason arising from allegations that he concealed information relating to an alleged plot to overthrow the government between 2021 and 2024. He has denied the charge.
In addition to dismissing the bail application, the judge directed the Deputy Registrar to complete the committal process and assign the matter to a trial judge for hearing.
The ruling follows an earlier decision by the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court, which also declined to grant Lukwago bail while allowing him access to treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Supporters of the opposition politician gathered outside court and expressed disappointment with the decision, while his legal team said it would study the ruling before deciding on the next course of action.
Lukwago remains detained at Luzira Prison pending further proceedings in the case.
