The Chief Magistrate’s Court of Makindye has rejected a bail application by the President of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Erias Lukwago, who is facing charges of misprision of treason.
Lukwago, 56, a senior advocate and former Lord Mayor of Kampala, appeared before Chief Magistrate Sarah Anne Basemera on Monday, June 23, following his earlier plea.
The prosecution alleges that between 2021 and November 2024, in various locations including Kampala and Nairobi, Kenya, Lukwago knew that high-profile opposition figures—including Col. (Rtd.) Dr. Kizza Besigye, Joel Wakayima, Frank Kihere Atukunda, and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya—intended to commit treason but deliberately failed to report them to authorities or take steps to prevent the offence.
Through his legal team led by Medard Sseggona, Lukwago applied for bail, citing the presumption of innocence, a fixed place of abode in Wakaliga, and chronic medical conditions requiring specialised care. He presented three Members of Parliament as sureties: Betty Aol Ocan, Michael Phillip Lulume Bayiga, and Betty Bakireke Nambooze.
State Attorneys Judith Nyamwiza, Caroline Opia, and Gabriel Obua opposed the application, arguing that the seriousness of the charge—carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment—creates a risk of absconding. They further contended that investigations are still ongoing and that Lukwago’s prominent political and professional standing could enable him to interfere with witnesses.
In her ruling, Basemera accepted the proposed sureties, describing them as substantial, and dismissed the State’s objections regarding their age, political status, and geographical distance. She also confirmed Lukwago’s fixed place of residence.
However, the magistrate upheld the prosecution’s arguments on the gravity of the offence and the risks associated with ongoing investigations. She noted that misprision of treason is a serious charge tied to national security and public order, punishable by life imprisonment.
Basemera further observed that Lukwago’s high public profile, extensive political network, and legal experience could pose a risk to the integrity of the investigation.
Balancing the nature of the allegations—which span three years and cross-border activity—against his right to liberty, the court ruled that the interests of justice require that the PFF leader remain on remand pending trial.
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