Erias Lukwago Pleads for Urgent Medical Treatment, Says ‘Give Me Medicine to Die Painlessly’ if Care Is Denied

KAMPALA — Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago made an emotional appeal before court on Tuesday, saying he would rather be given medicine to end his life without pain than continue suffering if he cannot access the specialist medical treatment recommended by doctors.

Lukwago, who appeared virtually from Luzira Prison, told court that his health has significantly deteriorated and that prison authorities have failed to provide the treatment prescribed by medical specialists.

The court session began with the state prosecutor informing the judicial officer that Lukwago would attend the proceedings via Zoom rather than appearing physically in court.

However, the trial magistrate was absent, and the judicial officer present informed those in attendance that he lacked the legal authority to hear the matter. The development prompted an objection from Lukwago’s lead lawyer, Medard Sseggona, who questioned why the case could not proceed and why no explanation had been offered for his client’s virtual appearance.

“My client is critically ill. It is unfair to adjourn this matter without hearing him while he is in such a serious medical condition,” Sseggona submitted.

Lukwago Details Multiple Serious Medical Conditions

Addressing court, Lukwago revealed that specialists at Mulago National Referral Hospital had examined him for nearly a week and diagnosed him with five serious medical conditions requiring urgent treatment.

“The specialists examined me and established that I have five serious medical conditions that require immediate medical intervention,” Lukwago told the court.

He explained that one of the conditions affects his lungs, making it difficult to breathe, particularly in poorly ventilated environments.

Lukwago further disclosed that a bone connecting his shoulder to his collarbone had broken again despite undergoing corrective surgery in April 2024.

He said doctors had recommended that he return to the hospital where the initial operation was performed and noted that he was expected to travel to India for specialized treatment.

“I should have travelled to India by now for specialised treatment,” he said.

Complaints Over Medical Care in Prison

The former Kampala Lord Mayor also told court that doctors diagnosed him with a serious ear condition requiring strong medication, but claimed he has only been receiving mild treatment while in prison.

He further alleged that specialists recommended the use of a special mattress and pillow to help manage his medical condition, but prison authorities delayed approving the equipment after insisting on inspecting it.

According to Lukwago, some of the medical items delivered to him were damaged during security checks.

He added that doctors also diagnosed him with a hernia requiring urgent surgery, persistent severe headaches, and an irregular heartbeat that requires immediate medical attention.

Lukwago argued that the treatment prescribed by specialists cannot adequately be provided while he remains incarcerated.

“Keeping me in prison in my current condition is condemning me to death,” he said.

Emotional Plea Before Court

In one of the most emotional moments of the proceedings, Lukwago appealed for immediate intervention, saying he did not want to die while enduring prolonged pain.

“I pray that God saves me from dying in pain. But if I cannot receive the treatment I need, give me medicine that will allow me to die a painless death,” he told the court.

His remarks reportedly left several people inside the courtroom visibly emotional.

Defence Seeks Court Intervention

Lukwago’s lawyer, Medard Sseggona, urged the court to direct prison authorities to fully implement the recommendations made by medical specialists.

Sseggona argued that although prison authorities had earlier assured the court that they were capable of providing adequate healthcare, their actions had allegedly worsened his client’s condition.

“The prison authorities should be directed to do only what they are capable of doing instead of taking actions that continue to worsen my client’s condition,” he submitted.

The matter was not concluded and remains pending before the trial magistrate.