Eronda
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- Dec 16, 2025
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Jailed opposition politician and former Kampala Lord Mayor, Mr Erias Lukwago, remains hospitalised at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala in a frail condition as doctors conduct medical investigations into his illness, his legal team has said.
Mr Lukwago’s lawyer, Mr Medard Lubega Sseggona, who visited him on Friday, told journalists that several medical tests had been conducted, but results were still pending.
“A number of tests have been conducted, and we haven't received the results, at least by the time I left earlier this afternoon,” Mr Sseggona said. “He is in pain and he is weak. We need prayers.”
According to Mr Sseggona, the opposition figure is experiencing severe pain, particularly around an area where he previously underwent surgery in India. While praising the medical team at Mulago for doing a "wonderful job" within their capacity, Mr Sseggona noted that specialised care abroad will be necessary.
“The doctors and experts in Mulago are managing the situation to the extent that they can. But, of course, there are certain conditions they cannot manage because some bit of science has not reached Uganda. We have plans to fly him off to India again, but only if and when he is released on bail," Mr Sseggona explained.
Mr Lukwago was transferred from Luzira Murchison Bay Prison to Mulago National Referral Hospital on June 25, 2026. This followed an order by Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera at the Makindye Chief Magistrates Court.
While the court denied Hon Lukwago bail earlier this week, the magistrate directed prison authorities to provide him with comprehensive medical assessment and treatment at the referral hospital. The court also ordered that Mr Lukwago’s wife and one lawyer of his choice be granted reasonable access during his admission, and be furnished with copies of his medical reports.
Mr Lukwago, who reportedly suffers from hypertension, gastritis, respiratory complications, and a spinal condition, was remanded on charges of misprision of treason.
The state alleges that between 2021 and November 2024, the former Lord Mayor had prior knowledge of an alleged plot by his clients—opposition veteran Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya—to overthrow the government but failed to report it to authorities. Mr Lukwago denies the charges and is scheduled to return to court on June 30, 2026, for an update on the state's investigations.
As anxiety over Mr Lukwago's health mounts, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday evening, June 27, 2026, to comment on the politician's detention.
In a post that has since stirred public debate, the President's son wrote: “Lukwago was an easy job for us. Personally, I always thought he was very DAFT! I mean just look at the shape of his head. SQUARE! But I'm a merciful man. I will release him when I'm ready...If my uncle the Kabaka requests me to release my prisoner...Lukwago. I will do it. If no such request comes through then we will HANG Lukwago like his Boss Besigye.”
The military chief's remarks come at a time when opposition groups and human rights defenders continue to question the state's handling of political detainees and the independence of the judicial process regarding political cases.
Source: Daily Monitor