Kampala — Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago on Tuesday failed to appear before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court after prison authorities informed the court that he was undergoing specialised medical treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
The court adjourned proceedings in the misprision of treason case to next Tuesday after the Uganda Prisons Service wrote to explain that Mr Lukwago was too ill to be transported to court.
Speaking to journalists after the brief court session, Mr Lukwago’s lead lawyer, Medard Lubega Sseggona, said prison authorities had formally communicated their client’s medical condition to the court.
“Lukwago has not been produced by prisons here today. The reason is that he is undergoing specialised treatment, and so the Uganda Prisons Service has written to court and informed them that the Lord Mayor emeritus is not here because of the medical investigations that are ongoing,” Mr Sseggona said.
He added that Mr Lukwago’s health had deteriorated and that medical personnel had advised against moving him from the hospital.
“He is also weak, and probably both Prisons and the Hospital did not deem it fit to disorganise that frail body by bringing him to court,” he said.
Mr Sseggona said members of the defence team had earlier visited their client at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he remained under medical supervision.
The case was adjourned to next Tuesday at 9am to allow Mr Lukwago to continue receiving treatment while awaiting further court proceedings.
Mr Lukwago was transferred from Luzira Prison to Mulago National Referral Hospital on June 25 following a court order directing prison authorities to facilitate a comprehensive medical examination and treatment. The court also granted his wife and a lawyer access to him and ordered that his medical reports be made available.
His hospitalisation came days after the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court declined his application for bail. Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera ruled that despite concerns raised about his health, prison authorities were capable of managing his medical condition as investigations continued.
Mr Lukwago has previously been treated for hypertension, spinal complications and respiratory problems associated with an earlier neck surgery. His lawyers have indicated that, should he be released, they may seek specialised treatment for him outside the country.
The former Kampala Lord Mayor was arrested on June 15 and subsequently charged with misprision of treason.
The prosecution alleges that he failed to report information relating to an alleged plot to overthrow the government involving opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya.
Mr Lukwago has denied the charge. Investigations into the case are ongoing.