Proceedings in the case involving Erias Lukwago, the former Kampala Lord Mayor and current People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) president, were on Tuesday adjourned to July 9. The Uganda Prisons Service informed the court that he could not appear because he is undergoing specialized medical investigations and treatment.
Makindye Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera deferred the proceedings after receiving official communication from prison authorities explaining Lukwago’s absence.
The adjournment follows growing concerns over the opposition politician’s deteriorating health. During his previous court appearance, his legal team argued that his condition had worsened significantly while on remand at Luzira Prison.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door court session, Lukwago’s lawyer, Mr. Medard Lubega Ssegona, confirmed that prison authorities had formally notified the court and the defense team of Lukwago’s medical state.
“Prisons have written to court informing it that the Lord Mayor Emeritus Lukwago could not be produced because he is undergoing specialized medical investigations and treatment,” Mr. Ssegona said.
According to Ssegona, medical personnel and prison authorities agreed it would be unsafe to interrupt Lukwago’s treatment by forcing him to attend court physically.
“He is also weak. Both the prison authorities and the hospital did not deem it fit to disrupt his frail condition by bringing him to court,” Ssegona added.
Severe medical concerns
Lukwago’s family and supporters have repeatedly raised alarms over his health since his incarceration on charges of misprision of treason.
During earlier proceedings, the defense revealed that Lukwago is battling a severe spinal condition involving a suspected dislocated disc, which causes intense pain. His lawyers also expressed deep concern over his vulnerability to infections due to a declining white blood cell count.
Mr. Ssegona noted that both the prosecution and the defense consented to the adjournment after reviewing the medical reports.
Members of the defense team visited Mulago National Referral Hospital on Tuesday morning, where Lukwago is reportedly admitted, to verify his condition.
“We were at Mulago this morning and confirmed that he is weak. At this point, he is a patient who strictly requires medical attention,” Ssegona told journalists, appealing to supporters to remain patient during this period.
Lukwago remains on remand. The case is scheduled to return to court on July 9, 2026, when Magistrate Basemera is expected to receive an update on both his health status and the progress of the state’s investigations.