JUST IN: Lukwago Misses Court Session As Health Deteriorates In Mulago

By Swift Reporter

Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago on Tuesday failed to appear before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court after prison authorities informed the court that he was too ill to be transported from Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he is receiving specialised medical treatment.

The case, involving charges of misprision of treason, was expected to proceed on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, but was instead adjourned after the court was formally notified of Lukwago’s condition by the Uganda Prisons Service.

Speaking after proceedings in the magistrate’s chambers, Lukwago’s lead counsel Medard Lubega Sseggona told journalists that the prison authorities had written to court explaining why his client could not be produced.

“Lukwago has not been produced by prisons here today. The reason is that he is undergoing specialised treatment, and so the Uganda Prisons Service has written to court and informed them that the Lord Mayor emeritus is not here because of the medical investigations that are ongoing,” Sseggona said.

He added that Lukwago’s condition had worsened, making him unfit to attend court sessions. According to the defence, medical teams advised against moving him due to his fragile state.

“He is also weak, and probably both Prisons and the Hospital did not deem it fit to disorganise that frail body by bringing him to court,” Sseggona added.

The defence team also confirmed that they had visited Lukwago earlier in the day at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where they found him still under close medical supervision.

The court adjourned the matter to next Tuesday at 9am to allow medical treatment and monitoring to continue.

Lukwago was transferred from Luzira Prison to Mulago on June 25, 2026, following a court directive requiring prison authorities to provide him with comprehensive medical assessment and treatment. The same order allowed his wife and a lawyer of his choice access to him, as well as provision of his medical reports.

His hospitalisation came shortly after the court rejected his bail application. Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera ruled that despite his health concerns, prison authorities were capable of managing his condition while investigations continued.

Lukwago, who has a history of hypertension, spinal complications, and respiratory challenges linked to earlier neck surgery in India, remains under close observation. His legal team has previously indicated that, if released, they may seek specialised treatment abroad.

He was arrested on June 15, 2026, and later charged with misprision of treason. Prosecutors allege that he failed to report knowledge of an alleged plot to overthrow the government involving opposition figures Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya. Lukwago denies the allegations.