Proceedings in the criminal case against the former Kampala Lord Mayor and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party President, Erias Lukwago have been adjourned to July 9th, 2026, after the Uganda Prisons Service informed the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court that he was unable to attend because he is undergoing specialized medical investigations and treatment.
The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, received formal communication from prison authorities explaining that Lukwago could not be produced in court due to his current medical condition. Both the prosecution and the defence did not object to the adjournment, leading the court to defer the matter to July 9th, when it is expected to receive an update on his health and the progress of investigations.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door court session, Lukwago’s lead lawyer, Medard Lubega Sseggona, confirmed that prison authorities had officially notified the court that their client was receiving specialized treatment.
“Prisons have written to court informing it that the Lord Mayor Emeritus Lukwago could not be produced because he is undergoing specialized medical investigations and treatment,” Sseggona said.
According to Sseggona, medical personnel and prison officials considered it unsafe to interrupt Lukwago’s treatment by transporting him to court.
“He is also weak. Both the prison authorities and the hospital did not deem it fit to disrupt his frail condition by bringing him to court,” he added.
The defence team disclosed that they had earlier visited Mulago National Referral Hospital, where Lukwago is receiving treatment, and found him in a weakened condition requiring continued medical attention. His lawyers appealed to supporters to remain patient as he undergoes treatment.
Lukwago was transferred from Luzira Murchison Bay Prison to Mulago National Referral Hospital last week following a court directive issued after concerns were raised about his deteriorating health. His legal team has previously informed court that he suffers from several health complications, including hypertension, gastritis, respiratory problems and a spinal condition that requires specialized medical care.
The former Kampala Lord Mayor remains on remand as he faces a charge of misprision of treason. Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and November 2024, in Uganda and Kenya, Lukwago knew of an alleged plot involving some of his clients to commit treason but failed to report the information to the relevant authorities or take reasonable steps to prevent the alleged offence. Lukwago has denied the charge, maintaining that the individuals mentioned by the prosecution were his clients and that he committed no offence.
Under Uganda’s Penal Code, Section 27, misprision of treason refers to the offence of knowingly concealing information about planned or intended treason without reporting it to the appropriate authorities. The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment upon conviction.
The case will return to the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on July 9th, when the court is expected to receive an update on Lukwago’s medical condition and determine the next course of proceedings.
