The defence team, led by Medard Ssegona and including Joseph Ssewungu, Miriam Nalwoga, Mathias Mpuuga and Proscovia Kunihira, urged court to release Lukwago on medical grounds, citing what they described as a serious deterioration in his health while in detention.
Ssegona told court that Lukwago, who is currently remanded at Murchison Bay Prison, had been provided with an orthopedic mattress and received physiotherapy, but his condition had continued to worsen.
He argued that Lukwago is suffering from a dislocated spinal disc that has caused severe and persistent pain, adding that the condition requires MRI-guided diagnosis and specialised treatment not available within prison facilities.
“The dislocated disc has accelerated and is causing excruciating pain. It cannot be treated in Luzira or anywhere in Uganda without MRI-guided intervention,” Ssegona submitted.
The defence further raised concerns over what they described as a risk of tuberculosis exposure within the prison environment, arguing that Lukwago’s proximity to a crowded TB ward placed him at heightened risk of infection.
Ssegona also told court that laboratory tests allegedly showed a decline in white blood cell counts, which he said indicated a weakened immune system requiring urgent specialised care.
He requested court to deliver its ruling promptly and, in the alternative, to allow Lukwago to be referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for urgent medical attention.
State Attorney Barbara Masinde opposed the bail application, questioning the defence’s position and urging court to rely on written submissions already filed.
She noted that both parties had complied with court timelines and argued that the matter should be decided based on the evidence on record.
“We filed our response after receiving full information on the applicant’s condition. We pray that court adopts our written submissions in arriving at its decision,” Masinde said.
In response, Ssegona maintained that the defence had also relied on its earlier submissions, stating that the issues raised were primarily matters of concern regarding Lukwago’s health and detention conditions.
Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera noted that both parties had complied with procedural timelines before adjourning the matter, stating that the court would stand over the ruling to 2pm.
Last week, Lukwago was arraigned before the same court and charged with misprision of treason, an offence alleging that he failed to report information regarding an alleged treason plot between 2021 and 2024 in Uganda and Kenya.
He denied the charges.
The prosecution informed court that investigations are ongoing and requested an adjournment for mention.
The case, which has drawn significant political and legal attention, is expected to return for ruling and further directions from court.