Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been further remanded to Luzira after the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court deferred its ruling on his bail application.
The court led by Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera had initially adjourned proceedings at 10:00 a.m. and indicated that the ruling would be delivered at 2:00 p.m. However, when court resumed, neither the magistrate nor Lukwago appeared in the courtroom. Instead, a private meeting lasting about an hour was held in the magistrate’s chambers involving the magistrate, Lukwago, and his legal team.
Medard Lubega Sseggona, Lukwago’s lead counsel, while addressing journalists outside court in Makindye on June 22nd, 2026, revealed that following the meeting, court officials informed the parties that the ruling would not be delivered in open court but would instead be issued electronically via email within the next 24 hours. As a result, Lukwago will remain on remand at Luzira prison pending the court’s decision.
“The magistrate has informed us that her ruling is not ready. She has taken note of all the health concerns we raised. She also said she was concerned about the large crowd in court and did not wish to reconvene everyone simply to announce that the ruling was not ready. She further indicated that she intends to write a more detailed ruling on the matter,” Sseggona said.
Lukwago, a senior lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor, is facing a charge of misprision of treason. During the bail hearing, his defense team argued that he had satisfied all the legal requirements for bail, including presenting substantial sureties and demonstrating that he has a fixed place of residence.
The prosecution opposed the application, maintaining that the court should carefully consider the gravity of the offence and other relevant factors before making a determination.
The magistrate’s decision to reserve the ruling means that both the defense and prosecution must await the court’s electronic communication before knowing whether Lukwago will be granted bail or continue to be held on remand as the case proceeds.
“We were last here in court on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026, on the same case, and we were told to wait for two days plus the weekend. Today marks five days. Therefore, another 24 hours is not a big deal; we can wait,” Sseggona added.
The matter has attracted significant public and political interest given Lukwago’s status as a prominent opposition figure and former Lord Mayor of Kampala. The court’s ruling on his bail application is expected within the next 24 hours.
