Lukwago Family Frustrated as Bail Hearing Stalls, Brother Breaks Down Outside Court

What the report says

The family of detained lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has voiced concern over his health and the delay in hearing his bail application. According to Nile Post, Friday’s court session did not go ahead because the presiding judge was absent, extending uncertainty for Lukwago, who has been in detention since his arrest at home in Wakaliga on June 15.

His legal team, led by Medard Ssegona, said court officials told them to return on Monday for a new hearing date. Ssegona urged the Judiciary to move the matter forward, saying that if bail could not be considered immediately, the trial itself should begin without delay. He also warned supporters against taking to the streets, advising them to pursue lawful options instead.

Family members said the continued detention is affecting Lukwago’s health and placing emotional strain on relatives, including his elderly mother. His wife, Zawedde Lubwama Lukwago, also questioned the differing explanations given for the judge’s absence. The report says one court account cited the judge’s need to attend to an ailing mother, while another suggested the judge was personally unwell.

Lukwago faces a charge of misprision of treason linked to the treason case involving opposition politician Kizza Besigye. The stalled hearing adds to wider concern about delays in Uganda’s criminal justice process and the impact of prolonged detention on families and defendants.