Makindye Chief Magistrates Court has further remanded opposition powerhouse and former Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, after the presiding magistrate deferred her ruling on his bail application, citing chaotic courtroom conditions and an overwhelming number of complex procedural issues.
In a high-stakes legal twist, the trial magistrate announced that the long-awaited bail decision will instead be delivered electronically via the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECMIS) within the next 24 hours.
The chief magistrate Sarah Basemera ordered that Lukwago return to court physically on June 30, 2026, for the mention of his case. Crucially, this date aligns with the scheduled court appearance of his high-profile client, four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye. The convergence of both opposition kingpins’ legal battles is expected to draw massive security deployments and intense political interest, setting up a potentially explosive dual showdown at the courthouse.
The Chief Magistrate noted that the environment inside the courtroom had become completely untenable, forcing the abrupt adjournment. She added that her chambers required additional time to systematically review the extensive legal arguments raised by both the defense and state prosecutors during a heated morning session.
Addressing journalists at court, lead defense counsel Medard Lubega Sseggona expressed frustration over the delay but urged supporters to remain calm while they await the digital notification. Sseggona also raised red flags over Lukwago’s deteriorating health in custody, drawing grim parallels to past high-profile detainees.
“Her Worship the Chief Magistrate advised that her ruling is not ready. Owing to the sensitivity of the case and the environment, she undertook to deliver the ruling by email via ECMIS within 24 hours,” Sseggona said. “It’s not pleasant news to us. We have only remained brave because we are duty-bound to be brave.”
Sseggona added a stark warning regarding Lukwago’s medical condition:
“Meanwhile, for the Honorable Lukwago, the health situation gets worse day by day. We had a German national who was denied bail in Kalangala and died. We had the Honorable Muhammad Ssegirinya, who kept telling courts that he was in bad health, and they refused until it was too late. We have put all these materials before court, and we trust that the court will understand.”
The case took on a broader regional diplomatic dimension following revelations that prominent Kenyan politician and lawyer Martha Karua, who had traveled to Kampala to join Lukwago’s defense team, was blocked by state operatives.
Sseggona fiercely condemned the state’s actions, describing it as an affront to both the law and the spirit of regional integration.
“An accused person is entitled to have a lawyer of his or her choice from anywhere; that’s why there is room for accreditation,” Sseggona noted. “I know that the Honorable Martha Karua has not been denied entry but detained at the airport and deported. It is not within the spirit of the East African Community. As a professional, I am deeply concerned.”
Both Lukwago and Besigye continue to battle serious state charges that their supporters have roundly labeled as politically motivated maneuvers to cripple the opposition ahead of future political contests. All eyes now shift to the ECMIS portal for the crucial bail verdict.