KAMPALA — Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has made an emotional plea before court, saying that if he cannot access the medical treatment recommended by specialists, he would rather be given medicine to enable him to die without pain.
Lukwago made the remarks on Tuesday while appearing virtually before court from Luzira Prison, where he told the magistrate that his health had severely deteriorated and that he was struggling to receive the treatment prescribed by doctors.
The proceedings opened with the state prosecutor informing court that Lukwago was not physically present but had joined the session through Zoom.
However, the trial magistrate was absent, with the judicial officer who was present telling court that he lacked authority to handle the matter.
This prompted an objection from Lukwago’s lawyer, Medard Sseggona, who questioned why the case could not proceed and why no explanation had been given for Lukwago’s virtual appearance instead of a physical court attendance.
“My client is critically ill. It is wrong for this matter to be adjourned without hearing him while he is in such a serious condition,” Sseggona argued.
Addressing court, Lukwago said specialists at Mulago National Referral Hospital had examined him for nearly a week and established that he was suffering from five serious medical conditions requiring urgent intervention.
“The specialists have examined me and established that I have five serious medical conditions that require urgent treatment,” Lukwago told court.
He said he suffers from a lung condition that affects his breathing, especially when he is in poorly ventilated spaces.
Lukwago also told court that a bone connecting his shoulder to his collarbone, which had previously been repaired through surgery in April 2024, had broken again.
“Doctors have advised that I return to the hospital where the surgery was performed. By now, I should have travelled to India for specialised treatment,” he said.
He further claimed that doctors had diagnosed him with a serious ear condition requiring strong medication but that he was only receiving mild medication while in prison.
According to Lukwago, specialists had also recommended that he use a special mattress and pillow to manage his condition, but prison authorities delayed approving the items after insisting on inspecting them.
He alleged that some of the medical equipment delivered to him was later damaged during security checks.
The former mayor added that doctors had diagnosed him with a hernia requiring urgent surgery, persistent severe headaches, and an irregular heartbeat that also needed immediate medical attention.
Lukwago said the treatment recommended by his doctors could not be adequately provided while he remained incarcerated.
“Keeping me in prison in my current condition is condemning me to death,” he told court.
In an emotional moment, Lukwago appealed for urgent intervention, saying he did not want to die while suffering.
“I pray that God saves me from dying in pain. But if I cannot receive the treatment I need, give me medicine that will allow me to die a painless death,” he said.
His remarks left several people in the courtroom emotional.
Sseggona asked court to direct prison authorities to ensure that Lukwago receives the care recommended by medical specialists.
The lawyer argued that prison authorities had previously assured court that they were capable of providing adequate medical care, but had allegedly taken actions that worsened his client’s condition.
“The prison authorities should be directed to do only what they are capable of doing instead of taking actions that continue to worsen my client’s condition,” Sseggona submitted.
The matter was subsequently left pending before the trial magistrate.
