Erias Lukwago Denied Bail Over Concerns of Interfering With Investigations

The Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to former Kampala Lord Mayor and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) president Erias Lukwago, ruling that his release could potentially interfere with ongoing investigations into the case against him.

In a decision delivered on Tuesday, Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera said the court had carefully considered Lukwago’s application but found that the circumstances surrounding the case weighed against granting bail at this stage.

Lukwago is facing a charge of misprision of treason under Section 25 of the Penal Code Act, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The prosecution alleges that between 2021 and November 2024, in Uganda and Kenya, Lukwago and other individuals were aware of an alleged plot to overthrow the government but failed to report it to authorities or take steps to prevent it.

Court Cites Public Influence and Ongoing Investigations

While delivering her ruling, Magistrate Basemera emphasized that investigations are still ongoing and highlighted Lukwago’s extensive professional, political and social influence.

The court noted that Lukwago’s position as a senior advocate, former Kampala Lord Mayor and president of a national political organization gives him significant reach within society.

Basemera clarified that public service and professional achievements should not be treated as grounds for punishment. However, she stated that such factors are relevant when determining whether an accused person could potentially influence ongoing investigations.

According to the ruling, Lukwago’s broad network of professional and political connections could not be ignored while investigations remain active.

The magistrate concluded that the ongoing inquiries, combined with Lukwago’s public standing and the nature of the allegations, justified denying bail at this time.

Court Orders Immediate Medical Assessment

Despite rejecting the bail application, the court issued several directives regarding Lukwago’s health.

Magistrate Basemera ordered the Officer in Charge of Murchison Bay Prison and the Commissioner General of Prisons to ensure that Lukwago is referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital within 24 hours for a comprehensive medical examination and treatment.

The court also directed that Lukwago’s wife and one lawyer of his choice be granted reasonable access during the medical referral process, subject to prison regulations and security requirements.

Medical specialists at Mulago Hospital have been instructed to conduct a full assessment and prepare a detailed report outlining their diagnosis, treatment recommendations, follow-up care and any additional medical interventions required. The report will be submitted to the court.

In addition, prison authorities were ordered to ensure that Lukwago continues receiving prescribed medication and that any recommendations made by medical specialists are fully implemented.

Lukwago Cites Health Challenges in Bail Application

Lukwago sought bail on medical grounds, informing the court that he suffers from hypertension, gastritis, respiratory complications and a spinal condition requiring specialized treatment.

The 56-year-old politician also argued that he qualifies as a person of advanced age under bail considerations.

To support his application, he presented Gulu City Woman MP Betty Aol Ocan, Buikwe South MP Michael Lulume Bayiga and Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke as sureties.

Although the court found the sureties substantial and suitable, it ultimately ruled that other factors outweighed the arguments in favor of bail.

Prosecution Opposed Bail Request

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) opposed Lukwago’s release, arguing that the seriousness of the offence and the potential life sentence increased the risk of absconding.

Prosecutors also maintained that releasing Lukwago could interfere with ongoing investigations and witnesses linked to the case.

The state further challenged the medical grounds raised by the defense, arguing that the Uganda Prisons Service healthcare system, including Murchison Bay Hospital, is capable of managing his medical condition.

Although prosecutors questioned the proposed sureties, the court dismissed those objections.

Background to the Case

Lukwago was arrested on June 15, 2026. Before his arrest, he was part of the legal team representing opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya in a separate treason case.

Court documents in that matter allege that several opposition politicians and activists attended meetings outside Uganda where discussions about removing the government allegedly took place.

Prosecutors claim some of those meetings were secretly recorded by an individual identified as Andrew Wilson, who later cooperated with Ugandan security agencies.

Lukwago has denied all allegations against him.

Following the denial of bail, he will remain on remand and is expected to return to court on June 30, 2026. The date coincides with proceedings in the High Court treason case involving Besigye and Lutale, where Lukwago had been expected to participate as a member of the defense legal team.