Medard Lubega Sseggona, the lawyer representing former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, has expressed concern over the mounting legal, medical and family challenges facing his client following a last-minute postponement of court proceedings reportedly triggered by a medical emergency involving the presiding judge.
Sseggona said the defence team had deliberately refrained from extensively discussing the case in the media to allow judicial proceedings to continue without unnecessary public commentary.
However, the latest adjournment has left Lukwago’s legal team waiting for a new hearing date, with Sseggona indicating that the lawyers would return to court next week to seek fresh scheduling arrangements.
No new date had been confirmed at the time of the update.
Beyond the uncertainty surrounding the proceedings, Sseggona highlighted the emotional and financial strain facing Lukwago’s family, pointing to his client’s health concerns and the responsibilities associated with providing care and support during his continued legal difficulties.
The postponement adds another chapter to a case that has attracted considerable public attention because of Lukwago’s political profile, his work as a lawyer and the serious allegations he faces.
Lukwago’s treason-related case
Lukwago, a prominent opposition politician, lawyer and president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), was charged with misprision of treason before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on June 17, 2026.
Prosecutors accuse him of failing to disclose information relating to alleged treasonous activities involving opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and others. Lukwago has denied the charge.
The case has drawn particular attention because Lukwago had been acting as one of the lawyers representing Besigye, who is himself facing treason-related proceedings.
His arrest and prosecution prompted concern among sections of the legal fraternity and human rights organisations, which questioned the circumstances surrounding his detention and the implications for legal representation in politically sensitive cases.
Health concerns complicate proceedings
Lukwago’s health has been a central issue in the court proceedings, with his lawyers repeatedly seeking judicial intervention over his access to specialised medical care.
In June, the court directed that he undergo a comprehensive medical assessment at Mulago National Referral Hospital after concerns were raised about his condition while in custody.
His legal team subsequently told court that medical specialists had recommended further assessment and treatment by spine specialists in India, where Lukwago had previously undergone cervical spine surgery in 2024.
The defence cited several health concerns, including hypertension, respiratory complications, gastrointestinal problems and complications associated with his cervical spine. The lawyers asked the court to facilitate specialised treatment abroad under appropriate security arrangements.
The health issue has also featured prominently in his bail applications. On July 30, the High Court declined to grant bail in an application that had been overtaken by the transfer of the underlying criminal case to the High Court for trial. The ruling did not resolve the broader medical concerns raised by the defence.
Family bears the pressure
Sseggona’s latest remarks draw attention to the personal consequences of the prolonged legal battle, particularly the strain on Lukwago’s family as it navigates his health needs and the uncertainty surrounding the case.
While the lawyer did not provide a detailed breakdown of the family’s financial difficulties in the update, his comments point to the wider burden associated with legal representation, medical care and caregiving responsibilities.
The latest postponement means the family and defence team must continue waiting for clarity on the next stage of proceedings.
Defence maintains restraint
Sseggona said his team had chosen to exercise restraint in its public statements, signalling a preference for allowing the matter to proceed through the courts rather than turning every development into a media dispute.
The reported medical emergency involving the presiding judge has now delayed the proceedings further, although the court is yet to confirm a fresh date.
For now, the defence team is expected to return to court next week to seek a new hearing date as Lukwago’s legal case, health concerns and family difficulties remain unresolved.
