KAMPALA – The Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court has postponed its ruling on the bail application of People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) president Erias Lukwago, saying it requires an additional 24 hours to consider the matter because of the sensitivity of the case.
The court had been expected to deliver its decision on Monday following Lukwago’s application for release after he was charged with misprision of treason and remanded to Luzira Prison last week. However, the presiding magistrate informed the parties that the ruling was not yet ready and requested more time before delivering a decision.
Lukwago, a former Kampala Lord Mayor and one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition politicians, was charged on June 17 after being detained for two days following his arrest by security operatives. He denied the charge when he appeared before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court.
According to the prosecution, Lukwago allegedly had knowledge of plans related to treason but failed to report the information to the relevant authorities. The offence of misprision of treason refers to the failure to report knowledge of treasonous acts or plans to lawful authorities.
The court had earlier remanded Lukwago to Luzira Murchison Bay Prison until June 22 pending a ruling on his bail application. During the hearing, his lawyers raised concerns about his health, arguing that detention had aggravated pre-existing medical conditions, including severe hypertension and a spinal injury.
In their submissions, the defence team told the court that Lukwago’s blood pressure had risen to dangerous levels and that he was experiencing severe pain linked to a damaged spinal disc. The court subsequently directed prison authorities to take his medical condition into account and allow his family to arrange an orthopaedic mattress.
Lukwago’s arrest has attracted significant political attention. The PFF described his arrest as an abduction by state operatives, while opposition leaders and legal organizations condemned the circumstances under which he was taken into custody.
The veteran lawyer is also a member of the legal team representing Dr. Kizza Besigye, who is facing separate treason-related charges. His arrest came amid an escalating confrontation between opposition figures and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
With the bail ruling now deferred, supporters, lawyers, and political observers will have to wait another day to learn whether the court will release Lukwago on bail or keep him in custody as investigations and proceedings continue.