Proceedings in the criminal case against former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago were on Tuesday adjourned until July 9, 2026, after prison authorities informed the court that the veteran opposition politician could not be produced because he is undergoing specialised medical investigations and treatment.
The development temporarily halted proceedings in the high-profile case in which Lukwago is facing a charge of misprision of treason, one of the latest cases arising from Uganda’s ongoing crackdown on opposition politicians and activists.
The court was informed by the Uganda Prisons Service that Lukwago was unavailable to attend the session due to his medical condition.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the closed-door proceedings, Lukwago’s lawyer, Medard Lubega Sseggona, said prison authorities had formally communicated to the court that their client was receiving specialised medical care.
“The prison authorities informed the court that Lukwago is undergoing specialised medical investigations and treatment, making it impossible for him to be produced today,” Sseggona said.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to July 9, when prosecutors are expected to provide an update on Lukwago’s condition and indicate whether he will be fit to resume trial.
Medical concerns take centre stage
Tuesday’s adjournment comes amid growing public concern over Lukwago’s health while in detention.
Although prison authorities confirmed that he is receiving specialised treatment, they did not disclose the nature of the illness or the medical investigations being undertaken.
The closed-door proceedings meant few details emerged from inside the courtroom beyond the explanation provided by prison officials.
Neither the prosecution nor the Uganda Prisons Service immediately released additional information regarding Lukwago’s medical status.
Facing misprision of treason charge
Lukwago is charged with misprision of treason, an offence under Uganda’s Penal Code that relates to failing to report knowledge of a treasonous act to the authorities.
Under the law, a person may be charged if they are alleged to have known about plans or acts amounting to treason but deliberately failed to disclose that information to the relevant authorities.
The offence is distinct from treason itself but carries serious criminal consequences upon conviction.
Prosecutors have not yet commenced presenting substantive evidence in the case, with the proceedings largely focusing on procedural matters since Lukwago’s arraignment.
High-profile opposition figure
Lukwago remains one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition politicians.
A lawyer by profession, he served for years as Lord Mayor of Kampala and has been a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
Throughout his political career, he has frequently found himself entangled in legal battles, arrests and confrontations with security agencies over his political activities and public statements.
His latest prosecution has attracted considerable public and political attention, with supporters arguing that the charges are politically motivated, while government officials have maintained that all suspects are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Next court appearance
With Tuesday’s adjournment, attention now shifts to July 9, when the court is expected to receive an update on Lukwago’s health and determine whether proceedings can resume.
The hearing will also provide an opportunity for prosecutors and the defence to address any outstanding procedural issues before the case proceeds further.
Until then, Lukwago is expected to remain under the custody of the Uganda Prisons Service while continuing to receive the specialised medical investigations and treatment cited by prison authorities.
