DPP Opposes Bail for Former Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago

[Eronda]

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has asked the High court to deny bail to People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) president Erias Lukwago, arguing that he is both a flight risk and capable of interfering with prosecution witnesses because of his political influence.

In an affidavit filed before the Criminal Division of the High court, chief state attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo contends that Lukwago has failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting his release pending trial on a charge of misprision of treason.

Lukwago was committed to the High court last week after the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s court ruled that police investigations had been completed. According to an indictment signed by assistant DPP Thomas Jatiko, Lukwago is accused of failing to report information relating to an alleged plot to overthrow the government between 2021 and November 2024.

The prosecution alleges that, as president of the PFF, Lukwago knew that opposition figures, including Dr Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale, Joel Wakhaima and Frank Kiherere Atukunda, allegedly intended to commit treason but failed to inform the authorities or take reasonable steps to prevent the alleged offences.

In his bail application, Lukwago relies on the constitutional presumption of innocence, arguing that his continued detention poses a serious risk to his health because prison facilities cannot adequately manage his specialised medical condition.

In opposing the application, the state disputes Lukwago’s claim that his health cannot be adequately managed in prison, maintaining that the Uganda Prisons Service has qualified medical personnel capable of providing the treatment he requires.

The prosecution also dismissed allegations that Lukwago was assaulted while in detention, subjected to forced physical drills or held under conditions that aggravated his health.

According to the DPP, Lukwago’s position as a senior advocate, former Kampala Lord Mayor and president of the People’s Front for Freedom gives him considerable influence that could be used to interfere with prosecution witnesses if released on bail.

The State further argues that the sureties presented by Lukwago do not provide sufficient assurance that he will return to court to stand trial. His proposed sureties include his law partner Chrysostom Katumba, his elder brother Abdul Sewankambo, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke and former Rubaga North MP Moses Kasibante.

The prosecution also points to the gravity of the charge, noting that misprision of treason carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, which it argues increases the likelihood that Lukwago could abscond if granted bail.
source: Observer.