Lukwago, who has spent three weeks in detention, appeared before court virtually via Zoom from custody rather than being produced physically.
His lead counsel, Medard Lubega Sseggona, objected to the virtual appearance, arguing that neither the defence nor the court had been informed in advance that his client would not be physically produced.
“The accused appearing on Zoom is a clandestine move as we were not informed prior. We were waiting for him physically here,” Sseggona told court.
The lawyer further argued that nothing prevented the trial magistrate from exercising her powers in the matter, especially given Lukwago's deteriorating health.
He reminded court that it had previously ordered the former Kampala Lord Mayor to receive specialised medical treatment.
Addressing court via Zoom, Lukwago said he had spent an entire week at Mulago National Referral Hospital undergoing specialised medical examinations, where doctors diagnosed him with five chronic health conditions requiring urgent attention.
Among the conditions he listed was a serious lung complication that causes breathing difficulties, particularly in poorly ventilated environments.
He also said he continues to suffer complications arising from cervical spine surgery he underwent in April 2024.
According to Lukwago, doctors at Mulago declined to repeat an MRI scan because they feared interfering with the artificial discs that had been implanted during the earlier operation.
He told court that specialists had advised him to travel to India for urgent treatment, warning that his condition had become life-threatening.
Lukwago further said he suffers from severe insomnia and is only able to sleep for one or two hours after taking sedatives.
He also disclosed that he has gastritis, which he said has caused complications affecting his digestive system and requires surgery to correct.
In addition, Lukwago said he has been receiving treatment for hypertension for the past 10 years and has been advised by doctors to remain in well-ventilated environments and follow a specialised diet.
In an emotional address, he pleaded with court to facilitate access to specialised treatment, saying continued detention without adequate medical care amounted to a death sentence.
“Without help and intervention, this is a death sentence. Pain is too much. My prayer is not to die in vain. If my life is to end, then at least let me be given medication and not die with this much pain,” Lukwago said.
Following the adjournment, Sseggona expressed disappointment with the delay, saying he hoped the absence of the presiding chief magistrate was due to genuine health reasons.
“The day will also arrive, whether the accused is alive or not. I send my heartfelt wishes to the indisposed presiding chief magistrate if the reason for the absence is health-related,” he said.
The court adjourned the matter to July 16, 2026, at 10:00am, when Lukwago is expected to appear again.