KAMPALA — Lawyers representing former Kampala Lord Mayor and People's Front for Freedom (PFF) president Erias Lukwago have asked the Makindye Chief Magistrate's Court to allow him to travel to India under security escort for specialised medical treatment, citing findings from a medical assessment conducted at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
The request was made on Thursday as Lukwago appeared physically in court, looking visibly frail, while proceedings continued in the case in which he is charged with misprision of treason.
The prosecution accuses Lukwago of knowingly concealing information about an alleged plot to overthrow the government by force of arms involving opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya and others. He has denied the allegations.
During the hearing, defence lawyer Medard Lubega Ssegona relied on a medical report prepared after the court directed that Lukwago undergo a comprehensive examination at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Ssegona told court that prison authorities complied with the directive and that Lukwago was examined on June 25, 2026, by a multidisciplinary team of senior specialists led by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Norbert Orotho.
According to the defence, the specialists diagnosed Lukwago with hypertension, post-COVID-19 complications, respiratory problems, ear, nose and throat conditions, gastrointestinal complications and cervical spine complications linked to an earlier artificial disc replacement surgery.
The defence said the medical team recommended continued treatment for hypertension, placement in a well-ventilated environment because of his respiratory condition, management of gastrointestinal symptoms and a review by the spine surgeons in India who performed his earlier surgery.
Ssegona further told court that Mulago doctors were unable to carry out a fresh MRI scan because they could not confirm whether Lukwago's artificial cervical disc implants were compatible with the hospital's MRI equipment.
Arguing that bail may not be immediately available, the defence instead asked court to authorise a supervised medical transfer to Fortis Memorial Research Institute in India.
The lawyers proposed that Lukwago travel under security arrangements similar to those used during his transfer from Luzira Prison to Mulago Hospital. They also requested that his wife be allowed to accompany him as his caretaker at his own cost and that he be permitted access to visitors and other necessary support services while receiving treatment.
The defence undertook that once doctors certify that his condition has improved and he is discharged from hospital, Lukwago would return to Uganda and be remanded at Luzira Prison under continued medical observation.
Addressing the court, Lukwago said he had previously depended on medical equipment to manage his condition but claimed that security operatives dismantled the machine, forcing him to rely solely on his physical strength.
His lawyers also told court that some of the medication he currently takes, including Pronospan and Dyaspa, carries potential side effects affecting the liver and kidneys, reinforcing the need for specialised monitoring and treatment.
The prosecution, meanwhile, maintains that Lukwago failed to report information relating to an alleged treasonous plot and has indicated that it intends to rely on travel records, electronic communications and other evidence during the trial.
The court is expected to issue further directions after considering submissions from both the prosecution and the defence.
