KAMPALA. Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was sent back to Luzira Prison on Monday after Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court failed to deliver its expected ruling on his bail application.
The delay left hundreds of his supporters anxious and frustrated. Many had gathered at the court hoping the People’s Front for Freedom leader would secure temporary release.
Lukwago, 56, faces a charge of misprision of treason. He has spent one week in detention since his arrest.
The court premises were heavily guarded by armed security personnel. Inside the courtroom, supporters dressed in PFF colours filled the available space. Others crowded windows and corridors around the court.
Lukwago arrived at about 10:25am in handcuffs. His appearance drew excitement from supporters who have followed the case since his arrest.
Bail Ruling Delayed
Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera had been expected to deliver her ruling at 2pm.
However, shortly before the scheduled time, lawyers from both sides were called into the magistrate’s chambers instead of open court.
The move sparked concern among supporters and journalists waiting outside.
Lead defence lawyer Medard Lubega Ssegona later emerged from the chambers and announced that the ruling was not ready.
“Her Worship, the Chief Magistrate, has advised that her ruling is not ready,” Mr Ssegona told supporters, family members and journalists outside the courtroom.
He said the magistrate chose not to return to the packed courtroom because of the tense atmosphere surrounding the case.
“Owing to the sensitivity of the case and all the environment as you see it, she was informed that it was not advisable to come back and convey the news that the ruling is not ready. She did not want to gather the crowds that we have, especially when the ruling is not ready,” Mr Ssegona said.
According to the defence team, the magistrate undertook to deliver the ruling electronically through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System within 24 hours.
“She undertook to deliver the ruling by ECCMIS within 24 hours from the time we met her in chambers. She invited us to understand the situation and requested us to go back and glue ourselves to the computers as we wait for the ruling,” Mr Ssegona said.
The main criminal case remains scheduled for mention on June 30.
Lawyers Raise Health Concerns
Lukwago’s health dominated discussions outside court after the ruling was delayed.
Some supporters broke down as he was taken back to prison.
During the proceedings, Mr Ssegona told court that his client’s condition was worsening despite receiving treatment while on remand.
“The defence maintains that Lukwago is suffering from a spinal condition involving a dislocated disc that requires specialised MRI-guided examination and treatment, which cannot adequately be provided within the prison health system,” he said.
He added: “Unfortunately, the seemingly dislocated disc has accelerated, causing excruciating pain to the accused (Mr Lukwago), and certainly cannot be examined and treated in Luzira or anywhere in Uganda.”
Mr Ssegona also raised concern over Lukwago’s vulnerability to infections.
He said the former Lord Mayor had a declining white blood cell count and warned that exposure to inmates with tuberculosis could place him at greater risk.
Outside court, Mr Ssegona compared Lukwago’s case with previous cases of detainees who complained of poor health while in custody.
“For Hon Lukwago, his health situation is not any better. It gets worse day by day,” he said.
“I must mention this because we have seen cases before. There was a German national denied bail in Kalangala who died, and then we had Hon Muhammad Ssegirinya, who kept telling courts that he was in bad health until it was too late. We have put all these materials before the court, and we trust that the court will understand,” he added.
State Opposes Bail
The State has opposed Lukwago’s bail application.
Prosecutors argue that the charge he faces is grave and carries a possible life sentence.
They also say the matter raises national security concerns.
The State has further challenged the suitability of some of Lukwago’s proposed sureties.
Prosecutors have also questioned whether his age and health condition justify his release on bail.
Karua Deportation Adds to Tension
Monday’s proceedings unfolded amid controversy over the deportation of Kenyan lawyer and former Justice minister Martha Karua.
Ms Karua had travelled to Uganda intending to attend Lukwago’s court proceedings.
She and Lukwago are both lead defence lawyers in the treason and misprision case involving detained opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye.
Asked about the deportation, Mr Ssegona criticised the decision to deny her entry into Uganda.
“I know that Martha Karua was not denied entry into the country but detained at the airport and deported. It is not within the spirit of the East African Community,” he said.
“An accused person is entitled to have a lawyer of his own choice from anywhere. I don’t think Martha is a security threat to this country,” he added.
Supporters Leave Court Uncertain
As evening approached, Lukwago’s supporters slowly left the court premises.
Many were still waiting for clarity on whether the expected electronic ruling would secure his temporary release.
For now, Lukwago remains in Luzira Prison as his lawyers continue to argue that his health is deteriorating while in custody.