By Johannah Nantongo
KAMPALA.The High Court Criminal Division in Kampala, has Thursday dismissed the bail application of former Kampala Lord Mayor and leader of People’s Front for Freedom President Erias Lukwago.
Justice David Matovu’s ruling was delivered on July 30, 2026, following written submissions and oral representations from both the applicant’s defense team and state prosecutors.
Lukwago, 56, who is currently facing charges of misprision of treason under Makindye Chief Magistrates Court Criminal Case No. 0762 of 2026, had petitioned the High Court seeking temporary release on bail pending trial.
The applicant’s legal team—led by Senior Counsel Medard Lubega Sseggona—argued that Lukwago suffers from grave, chronic, and life-threatening medical conditions, including hypertension, cylindrical bronchiectasis, residual cervical radiculitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
A medical examination conducted by a five-member consultant team from Mulago National Referral Hospital recommended specialized spinal evaluation in India.
Furthermore, the defense presented four sureties, including Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke, former MP Moses Kasibante, his brother Abdul Sewankambo, and lawyer Chrisestom Katumba, emphasizing that Lukwago has a fixed place of abode in Bulwa Zone, Rubaga Division, and poses no risk of absconding.
In response, Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo and Senior State Attorney George Bigira opposed the application, contending that the applicant failed to prove that his medical conditions could not be managed by prison authorities. The prosecution also argued that due to the gravity of treason-related offenses, Lukwago constituted a flight risk and possessed the influence to potentially interfere with state witnesses.
In his decision, Justice Matovu observed that the specific application before the court sought bail pending the hearing and determination of proceedings in the Makindye Chief Magistrates Court. However, court records revealed that on July 16, 2026, the Chief Magistrate had formally committed Lukwago to the High Court for trial, effectively terminating all proceedings in the magistrate’s court.
While acknowledging Lukwago’s constitutional right to apply for bail and confirming that his proposed sureties were substantial, Justice Matovu noted that the application as framed was rendered legally incompetent due to the committal. Consequently, the High Court directed that Mr Lukwago submits his medical documents from Mulago Hospital directly to prisons under the framework of the High Court proceedings, ruling against his release on the current application.