Lukwago 'Smuggled' Into Judge's Chambers for Bail Hearing

What the report says

Nile Post reported that High Court judge David Matovu is set to rule on July 30, 2026, on Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago’s bail application. The application was heard in the judge’s chambers, with attendance limited to Lukwago’s wife, Zawedde, his lawyers and the proposed sureties, according to the report.

Lukwago’s defence team, led by lawyer Medard Lubega Sseggona, asked the court to release him on bail, citing among other grounds concerns about his health. The defence presented four sureties and Lukwago’s own undertaking that he would appear before court whenever required. Sseggona said after the session that the defence believed it had satisfied the requirements for bail.

The court did not immediately grant a request for Lukwago to be taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital for treatment. Instead, Nile Post reported, the judge directed prison authorities to consult medical personnel and ensure he receives appropriate care while in custody. Sseggona argued that prison health facilities have limits in providing specialised treatment, saying physiotherapy may ease pain but may not address wider medical needs.

The bail request comes after Lukwago was committed to the High Court for trial on charges related to misprision of treason. The defence and prosecution agreed to file written submissions ahead of the electronic delivery of the ruling. The case is significant because it involves a prominent opposition-aligned city leader and raises both fair-trial and detainee health-care issues.