Erias Lukwago caught between a rock and a hard place
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I His days in jail have been extended indefinitely, after Chief Magistrate Sarah Anne Basemera of the Makindye Chief Magistrates Court denied bail to opposition politician Erias Lukwago, citing the seriousness of the charges against him and concerns over ongoing state investigations.
The ruling, delivered on June 23, 2026, means that Lukwago will remain on remand until at least June 30, when his case comes up for mention. The former Kampala Lord Mayor and president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) is facing charges of misprision of treason, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment upon conviction.
In rejecting the bail application, Chief Magistrate Basemera agreed with the prosecution that the gravity of the offence created a significant risk that the accused could abscond if released. The court noted that the severe punishment attached to the charge provided a strong incentive for an accused person to evade trial, making continued detention necessary at this stage of the proceedings.
The magistrate further accepted the state’s argument that the case involves serious national security concerns. Prosecutors maintained that investigations into the alleged treasonous activities are still ongoing and that releasing Lukwago before those investigations are concluded could compromise the integrity of the process.
According to the prosecution, the charges go beyond an ordinary criminal matter because they touch on issues of national stability and security. The court found merit in this position and concluded that granting bail while investigators were still gathering evidence would not be prudent.
Another major factor that influenced the court’s decision was Lukwago’s prominent public profile and political influence. The prosecution argued that, as a senior opposition politician, former Lord Mayor of Kampala, and leader of a political party, he commands substantial public support and influence across the country.
State attorneys contended that such influence could potentially be used to interfere with witnesses or otherwise affect the course of investigations. The court agreed that this possibility could not be ignored, particularly given the sensitivity of the allegations and the high-profile nature of the case.
The issue of Lukwago’s health also featured prominently during the bail hearing. His lawyers informed the court that he suffers from acute spinal pain resulting from a dislocated disc, in addition to other chronic medical conditions. The defense argued that these health concerns justified his temporary release on bail so he could access specialized medical treatment.
However, Chief Magistrate Basemera ruled that the medical grounds presented by the defense were not sufficient to warrant release from custody. The court held that appropriate medical care could still be provided while Lukwago remained on remand.
To address the concerns raised by the defense, the magistrate directed the Uganda Prisons Service to facilitate Lukwago’s immediate transfer to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a comprehensive specialist medical examination and treatment. The directive was intended to ensure that his health needs are adequately addressed without compromising the ongoing judicial process.
Despite denying bail, the court rejected some of the prosecution’s objections regarding Lukwago’s eligibility for release. Chief Magistrate Basemera cleared and validated all the sureties presented by the defense, including several Members of Parliament who had offered to stand guarantee for him.
The magistrate also accepted that Lukwago has a fixed and verifiable place of residence, dismissing the state’s concerns on that issue. These findings meant that the court was satisfied with the quality of the proposed sureties and the accused’s residential status.
Nevertheless, after weighing all the factors presented, the court concluded that the seriousness of the offence, the ongoing investigations, concerns over national security, and the possibility of witness interference outweighed the arguments in favor of temporary release.
As a result, Lukwago remains on remand, with his legal battle set to continue when the matter returns to court on June 30, 2026.
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