There was heavy security deployment at Makindye Chief Magistrates Court on Monday morning ahead of the expected appearance of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago in a misprision of treason case.
Heavily armed personnel from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force and the Field Force Unit were deployed around the court premises, with officers stationed at key entry points as crowds gathered early.
By 8:00am, hundreds of Lukwago’s supporters had thronged the court, filling the courtroom and leaving others standing at windows and in available spaces.
The case is scheduled for mention before Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera to confirm whether prosecution has responded to Lukwago’s bail application. However, by 10:00am, court proceedings had not commenced and the magistrate had not taken her seat.
Lukwago, who also serves as president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), is seeking bail on medical grounds. In his application, he cites hypertension, gastritis, respiratory complications, and a spinal condition that requires specialised treatment.
Over the weekend, the prosecution urged the court to deny him bail on seven grounds. The State argued he is likely to abscond due to the gravity of the charge, which carries a possible life sentence upon conviction.
Prosecution also questioned the strength of his sureties, saying they reside far from his area of residence.
The matter has attracted a wide range of political figures and supporters to court, including those backing opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye. Others present include National Economic Empowerment Dialogue president Joseph Kabuleta, Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu, former Buhweju County MP Francis Mwijukye, former Leader of the Opposition Wafula Oguttu, and former Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, alongside Lukwago’s family members.
Defence lawyers led by Medard Lubega Sseggona had not taken their positions at the bar by the time of reporting. Earlier, senior prison officers inspected the courtroom before withdrawing to the holding cells as they awaited the start of proceedings and Lukwago’s appearance.
Lukwago is accused of misprision of treason. Prosecution alleges that he knew his clients, Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, were allegedly involved in plans to commit treason but failed to report the information to authorities or take reasonable steps to prevent the alleged offence.
The charge stems from Besigye and Lutale’s ongoing treason case. Lukwago is part of their defence team, alongside Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua who was denied entry at Entebbe International Airport earlier Monday and deported to Nairobi.