Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has sought an urgent transfer to Mulago National Referral Hospital after his lawyers raised fresh concerns over his deteriorating health during a court session that ended with the postponement of a ruling on his bail application.
The development emerged on Monday as Lukwago’s legal team informed the court that his medical condition had worsened while on remand at Murchison Bay Prison, prompting calls for specialized treatment outside the prison facility.
Defence lawyer Medard Ssegona told court that Lukwago continues to suffer severe pain associated with a spinal disc condition, which he said requires advanced medical attention unavailable at the prison health unit.
According to the defence, previous interventions, including physiotherapy and the provision of an orthopedic mattress, have not significantly improved his condition.
Ssegona argued that medical specialists had recommended further diagnostic procedures and treatment that can only be conducted at a specialized health facility such as Mulago National Referral Hospital.
The defence also raised concerns about Lukwago’s general health, warning that his condition could worsen if he remains within the prison environment without access to the required medical care.
Lawyers told court that recent medical assessments indicated a weakened immune system, which they said makes the detained politician more vulnerable to infections and other health complications.
The defence consequently requested court to either expedite the bail ruling or authorize Lukwago’s immediate transfer to Mulago for further treatment pending determination of the application.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Barbara Masinde, did not directly challenge the medical concerns raised by the defence but argued that both parties had already filed and adopted their written submissions as earlier directed by court.
Masinde urged the court to rely on the submissions on record when making its determination.
However, the defence maintained that the medical concerns constituted urgent developments that required immediate attention.
After hearing both parties, the trial magistrate adjourned the matter and postponed the bail ruling, saying court would first consider the submissions before delivering its decision.
The postponement means Lukwago will remain on remand as he awaits the outcome of his bail application.
The Kampala Lord Mayor was recently remanded on charges related to misprision of treason, a case that has attracted widespread public and political attention.
