Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago did not appear before the Chief Magistrate’s Court as scheduled on Tuesday morning, as he continues to receive treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Lukwago, who is facing a charge of misprision of treason, had been expected to attend court for a status update on the ongoing police investigations.
However, the proceedings were instead handled in chambers after the court was formally informed of his absence.
Uganda Prisons Service communicated to Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera that Lukwago remains admitted at Mulago Hospital, where doctors are carrying out further medical examinations and continuing treatment.
According to the information presented, his legal team led by lawyer and MP Medard Lubega Sseggona, together with Lukwago’s wife, recently visited him in hospital and found him still weak and under medical care.
Medical officers reportedly advised that he should continue with treatment, prompting prison authorities to officially notify court that he was unfit to attend proceedings.
Speaking after the court session, Sseggona confirmed that Lukwago remains in a fragile condition and unable to appear in court. Chief Magistrate Basemera subsequently adjourned the case to July 7, 2026, as investigations continue.
Lukwago was transferred from Luzira’s Murchison Bay Prison to Mulago National Referral Hospital on June 25, 2026, after the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court ordered that he be provided with specialised medical care due to concerns over his deteriorating health while on remand.
Last week, the court had also declined to grant him bail but directed that he undergo a comprehensive medical review and continue receiving treatment at Mulago Hospital.
It further ordered that his wife and a lawyer of his choice be allowed reasonable access to him, and that they be furnished with copies of medical reports prepared by attending specialists.
Lukwago has previously indicated that he suffers from hypertension, gastritis, respiratory complications, and a spinal condition. He remains on remand facing charges of misprision of treason.
Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and November 2024, he was aware of an alleged plot by his clients, including opposition politician Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, to overthrow the government but allegedly failed to report it to authorities, an accusation he denies.
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