Lukwago further remanded, bail application deferred

[Eronda]

Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court has postponed a ruling on the bail application of former Kampala Lord Mayor and the president of People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Erias Lukwago.

Lukwago is seeking temporary freedom after being charged with misprision of treason. Chief magistrate Sarah Basemera said the ruling is expected to be delivered electronically through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS) within 24 hours from today.

She had earlier indicated that she would deliver her ruling at 2:00 pm today, Monday, after hearing submissions from both the defence and prosecution. However, lawyers and parties in the case were instead summoned to the magistrate’s chambers, where they were informed that the ruling was not yet ready.

Addressing Lukwago’s supporters and journalists outside court shortly afterwards, defence lawyer Medard Lubega Sseggona said the magistrate had cited the sensitivity of the case and security issues in deciding against reconvening court to announce the postponement.

“They have informed us that the chief magistrate has advised that her ruling is not ready. Owing to the sensitivity of the case and the environment as you see it, she was informed that it is not advisable to return to court to convey that the ruling is not ready. She did not want to gather the crowds that we have, especially when the ruling is not ready,” Sseggona said.

Sseggona noted that regardless of the outcome of the bail application, the substantive case will return to court on June 30, 2026.

“This case, the main case, will be mentioned again on the 30th of June. So even when we do not come back here tomorrow, we will be back on the 30th of June. That is the information I have a duty to convey. Not pleasant news to us either. We have only remained brave because we are duty-bound to be brave,” he added.

The adjournment came after the defence reiterated their concerns about Lukwago’s deteriorating health while on remand at Luzira Prison. Earlier, Sseggona told the court that Lukwago’s immunity had weakened, saying that medical tests showed a reduction in his white blood cell count.
Source: The observer