The Chief Magistrates Court in Makindye has denied bail to former Kampala Lord Mayor and opposition politician Erias Lukwago, extending his stay on remand at Luzira Prison as he battles charges of misprision of treason.
The highly anticipated ruling was delivered electronically on Tuesday by Chief Magistrate Sarah Anne Basemera, ending days of speculation among Lukwago’s supporters and political allies.
Lukwago, 56, is accused of misprision of treason under Section 25 of the Penal Code Act. Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and November 2024, he had prior knowledge of alleged treasonous activities involving several opposition figures but failed to report the information to state authorities.
The state claims the alleged activities involved prominent opposition leaders and their associates operating in Uganda and neighboring Kenya.
In his bail application, Lukwago’s defense team, led by lawyer Medard Lubega Sseggona, argued that their client is presumed innocent, has a fixed place of residence in Kampala, and suffers from several health complications, including hypertension and cervical spine disease.
The defense also cited medical concerns linked to a previous neck surgery conducted in India.
State prosecutors strongly opposed the application, arguing that the charge is serious and carries a potential life sentence upon conviction.
They further contended that Lukwago’s public influence and political standing could interfere with the administration of justice if he were released. The prosecution also challenged some of the proposed sureties presented by the defense.
However, Chief Magistrate Basemera dismissed objections regarding the sureties’ geographic locations and political affiliations, emphasizing that the law requires sureties to be persons of integrity and responsibility, not necessarily individuals who exercise authority over an accused person.
Despite finding the proposed sureties acceptable, the court ultimately declined to grant bail, meaning Lukwago will remain in custody as investigations and court proceedings continue.
The ruling is expected to spark further debate among political observers and civil society groups, many of whom have closely followed the case due to Lukwago’s prominence in Uganda’s opposition politics.
Lukwago’s legal team is yet to indicate whether it will challenge the decision in a higher court.