Former Kampala Lord Mayor and president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Erias Lukwago, has been moved from Luzira’s Murchison Bay Prison to Mulago National Referral Hospital after a court directive issued earlier this week ordered that he receive specialized medical care.
His lawyer, Abubaker Ssekanjako, confirmed on Thursday that prison authorities had complied with the order of the Makindye Chief Magistrates Court. “He was transferred to Mulago this morning,” Ssekanjako said.
The lawyer added that Lukwago’s health had reportedly worsened while on remand, noting that he had mainly been receiving pain management treatment despite needing more advanced medical attention. “His condition has been concerning. We understand he was largely kept on painkillers, yet he requires comprehensive specialist care,” he said.
Ssekanjako further noted that he had updated Lukwago’s family, including his wife and son, as well as lead defence counsel Medard Lubega Sseggona, who also confirmed the transfer.
Attempts to get a response from Uganda Prisons spokesperson Senior Commissioner of Prisons Frank Baine were unsuccessful by press time.
The move follows a ruling by Makindye Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera, who declined to grant Lukwago bail but ordered that he be referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital within 24 hours for a full medical evaluation and treatment.
The court further directed the Officer in Charge of Murchison Bay Prison and the Commissioner General of Prisons to ensure he receives appropriate specialist care.
It also ordered that his wife and a lawyer of his choice be allowed reasonable access during his treatment, and that they be provided with copies of medical findings and recommendations, subject to prison security procedures.
Medical specialists at Mulago are expected to assess his condition and submit a detailed report covering diagnosis, required tests, treatment plan, medication, and follow-up care, which will be returned to court.
Lukwago had applied for bail on health grounds, citing conditions including hypertension, gastritis, respiratory complications, and a spinal problem requiring specialist management.
However, the court rejected the bail application, arguing that investigations were still ongoing and pointing to his influence as a senior advocate, former Kampala Lord Mayor, and opposition political leader.
The 56-year-old was arrested on June 15, 2026, and faces a charge of misprision of treason. Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and November 2024 in Uganda and Kenya, he allegedly had knowledge of a plan involving his clients, Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, to overthrow the government but failed to report it or take action.
He has denied all the accusations and maintains his innocence. Lukwago remains on remand and is expected to return to court on June 30, 2026.
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