Former Kampala Lord Mayor and veteran opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago has suffered another setback after the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court deferred its ruling on his bail application, ordering that the decision will instead be delivered electronically within the next 24 hours.
The development means the prominent city lawyer will spend more nights behind the walls of Luzira Prison, where he has been on remand after being charged with misprision of treason.Lukwago, who is also the lead counsel for detained opposition stalwart Dr. Kizza Besigye, appeared before Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera on Monday morning amid heightened security and intense public interest.
The packed courtroom expected a ruling on whether the long-serving opposition figure would finally regain his freedom. Instead, those hopes were dashed after the magistrate announced that she required more time to consider the numerous issues raised during the hearing.Court was informed that the ruling would not be read in open court but would instead be communicated to the parties electronically through email within the next 24 hours.
The decision prompted visible disappointment among Lukwago’s supporters, relatives and fellow lawyers who had thronged the court expecting an immediate determination.Moments after the brief court session ended, prison officers escorted Lukwago from the courtroom and bundled him into a Uganda Prisons Service pickup truck before driving him back to Luzira Upper Prison under tight security.
The court also ordered that Lukwago returns on June 30, 2026, for the mention of his case.The date carries added political significance because it coincides with the scheduled appearance of Dr. Kizza Besigye before the same court—a case in which Lukwago serves as the lead defence lawyer.Many observers say Lukwago’s continued incarceration has complicated preparations for Besigye’s legal defence.
COURT CITES COMPLEXITY OF THE CASE
According to proceedings before the court, Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera explained that the application had raised several legal issues requiring careful consideration.The magistrate also cited the prevailing conditions in and around the courtroom as among the reasons for postponing the ruling.
Instead of delivering the decision immediately, she directed that all parties would receive the ruling electronically once it had been finalized. The announcement effectively extended Lukwago’s stay on remand despite spirited arguments by his defence team seeking his temporary release.
SSEGGONA CONFIRMS DELAY
Lead defence lawyer and Busiro East MP Medard Sseggona confirmed the latest development shortly after court adjourned.”The Makindye Magistrates Court has delayed its ruling in the bail application of Erias Lukwago, saying the decision is not ready due to the sensitivity of the case and requested 24 hours,” Sseggona said. He expressed hope that the court would deliver its decision within the promised timeframe.
Members of the defence team maintained that Lukwago qualifies for bail and argued that he has a fixed place of residence, substantial sureties and no history of absconding from court.
HEARTBREAKING
Former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura did not hide her disappointment following the day’s proceedings.Speaking to The Investigator, Nyanjura described the court’s decision as emotionally draining for Lukwago’s family and supporters.
“Heartbreaking. The Magistrate sitting in her chambers has decided that counsel Erias Lukwago’s bail ruling will be delivered online within 24 hours,” she said.Outside court, supporters who had waited for hours hoping to celebrate Lukwago’s release instead dispersed quietly after learning that the ruling had been postponed.
Several expressed frustration that the veteran lawyer had to return to prison without knowing whether he would soon regain his liberty.
HEALTH CONCERNS MOUNT
As the legal uncertainty continues, fresh concerns have emerged over Lukwago’s health.City lawyer Kiiza Eron warned that the prolonged delay in determining the bail application could have serious implications for the former Kampala Lord Mayor.
“The health of Erias Lukwago is worsening as Makindye Court delays the bail ruling for at least 24 hours,” Kiiza said.The concerns add to longstanding public knowledge about Lukwago’s recurring health challenges, which have occasionally required specialized medical attention over the years.
His lawyers have consistently argued that continued incarceration could negatively affect his condition.Charge continues to dominate headlines
Lukwago is facing a charge of misprision of treason, an offence that relates to allegedly having knowledge of the commission of treason without promptly informing the relevant authorities.
HE HAS DENIED ANY WRONGDOING
The prosecution maintains that investigations into the matter are ongoing. His arrest and prosecution have attracted widespread political attention because of his longstanding role as one of Uganda’s most outspoken opposition leaders and constitutional lawyers.
For decades, Lukwago has represented numerous opposition politicians and government critics in high-profile constitutional and criminal cases.His latest detention has therefore become another flashpoint in Uganda’s increasingly polarized political environment.
POLITICAL TEMPERATURE RISES
The postponement of Lukwago’s bail ruling comes at a politically sensitive time as several prominent opposition leaders continue to battle criminal charges before various courts.Observers say the outcome of the bail application is likely to shape public perception about the administration of justice in politically sensitive cases.
Human rights activists and sections of the legal fraternity have continued to monitor the proceedings closely, arguing that timely determination of bail applications remains an important safeguard of personal liberty before trial.Government officials have repeatedly maintained that the judiciary operates independently and that all accused persons are entitled to due process regardless of their political affiliation.
ALL EYES ON THE NEXT 24 HOURS
For now, Lukwago remains inside Luzira Prison awaiting one of the most anticipated judicial decisions of the week.His supporters will spend the next 24 hours anxiously refreshing their email inboxes and phones, hoping the electronic ruling finally opens the prison gates for the man many simply call “The People’s Lawyer.”
Should bail be granted, Lukwago would immediately rejoin his legal team ahead of the June 30 proceedings, where he is expected to represent Dr. Kizza Besigye in another closely watched courtroom battle.If the application is denied, however, the veteran opposition figure will remain on remand as the misprision of treason case proceeds—extending yet another chapter in one of Uganda’s most politically charged legal sagas.
Author Profile
- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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As per the trend, I believe everyone know or thinks The Lord Mayer will not be released. Releasing him will be the surprise. Honestly you cannot get someone speak of trust in our judicially. As we hope for grace to grace. With Uganda seem worse to worst.
This is all brought about grid for power and childish minds of some in power. No independence of any Ministry. Even the National Army, considered personal army as spoken publically.
Believe it or not, the State is upside down.
But we continue to be hopeful. Soon it will be well with our motherland.
Currently may consider Uganda, a personal comic family Village.