Former Kampala Lord Mayor and lawyer Erias Lukwago has asked the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court to intervene urgently so he can receive life-saving medical care abroad.

Lukwago, whose health has reportedly deteriorated significantly while in custody, says specialists have recommended further treatment in India.

He appeared via Zoom from Luzira Prison during the proceedings at Makindye Chief Magistrates Court.

Lukwago was charged three weeks ago with misprision of treason. Prosecutors allege that he knew about a alleged plot by his client, jailed opposition politician Dr. Kiiza Besigye, and Hajji Obeid Lutale to overthrow the government but failed to report it to the authorities.

He denied the charges and applied for bail.

The trial Chief Magistrate, Sarah Basemera, denied him bail but ordered his transfer from prison to Mulago National Referral Hospital for specialised treatment.

He was discharged last week and returned to Murchison Bay Prison.

In court, Lukwago informed the magistrate that he had been examined by senior consultants in orthopaedic and spine surgery on the instructions of Mulago Hospital Executive Director Rosemary Byanyima.

His lawyer, Medard Sseggona, requested that Lukwago be allowed to address the court on his health condition first, citing the urgency of the matter despite jurisdictional limitations.

Lukwago told the court he suffers from chronic lung complications that make breathing difficult, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

He recounted an incident during recent court proceedings when closed windows worsened his condition.

He linked the issue to complications from a 2024 spinal surgery in India, during which artificial cervical discs were implanted.

Doctors were unable to perform an MRI because they could not immediately verify compatibility with the implants.

A CT scan was conducted instead, revealing problems that require review by the original neurosurgeons in India.

“I need to be in India immediately if my life is to be saved,” Lukwago stated.

He also suffers from hearing and balance disorders, as well as gastrointestinal problems including severe acid reflux and a mild hiatal hernia.

Doctors have recommended surgery and a specialised diet, as medication only offers temporary relief.

Additionally, Lukwago has lived with hypertension for over 10 years.

He requires specific sleeping positions to manage his conditions, which prison conditions do not accommodate.

He complained that a specialised therapeutic pillow prescribed before his arrest was dismantled by prison authorities due to electronic components.

As a result, he has been unable to use it and now relies on sedative medication to sleep.

Lukwago expressed fear for his life due to the combined impact of these conditions and the lack of proper treatment.

Chief State Attorney Barbra Masinde informed the court that investigations are ongoing and raised no objection to an adjournment.

She noted that substantive decisions, including on medical requests, rest with Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera.

Lukwago’s lawyers asked the court to order prison authorities to release the specialised pillow to his family for inspection and possible repair, warning that replacement could take months.

The court was also informed that Mulago Hospital had submitted a medical report dated June 30, 2026, for consideration.

Magistrate Nanjala adjourned the case to July 16, 2026, when the Chief Magistrate is expected to issue further directions on Lukwago’s health concerns. He remains on remand.