Former Kampala Lord Mayor and President of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Erias Lukwago, has been committed to the High Court for trial on a charge of misprision of treason after appearing before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Lukwago, who missed his previous court appearance due to reported ill health, was brought to court under tight security. He appeared visibly frail throughout the proceedings, prompting his lawyers to renew calls for specialized medical treatment.
The Director of Public Prosecutions concluded committal proceedings before Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera, paving the way for the case to be heard by the High Court.
According to the prosecution, Lukwago is accused of failing to report information relating to an alleged plot to overthrow the Government of Uganda by force of arms.
Prosecutors allege that, by virtue of his position as leader of the People’s Front for Freedom, Lukwago became aware of activities involving senior party members but did not report the information to the relevant security authorities as required under the law.
The case is linked to separate proceedings involving PFF founder Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate Hajj Obeid Lutale, who are also facing treason-related charges before the High Court.
The prosecution alleges that Lukwago was aware of Besigye’s and Lutale’s travel to Nairobi in November 2024, where they allegedly met individuals suspected of facilitating a plan to overthrow the government.
Court heard that the state intends to rely on electronic communications, immigration records, travel documents, forensic reports, audio-visual recordings, and witness testimony during the High Court trial.
The prosecution further alleges that a covert source secretly recorded some of the meetings and later handed the recordings and related devices to intelligence officers for forensic examination.
The offence of misprision of treason, under Section 25 of the Penal Code Act, relates to knowingly concealing information about an intended act of treason and failing to report it to the authorities within a reasonable time.
Before the case was committed to the High Court, Lukwago’s legal team, led by Medard Lubega Ssegona, renewed their application for specialized medical treatment abroad.
The defence argued that Lukwago suffers from complications arising from previous spinal surgery, hypertension, respiratory problems, acid reflux, and balance-related complications, and requires urgent specialized treatment in India.
His lawyers maintained that the necessary treatment cannot adequately be provided while he remains in custody.
Earlier, the court directed that Lukwago undergo a medical assessment at Mulago National Referral Hospital following concerns raised about his health.
On Wednesday, family members and supporters held special prayers at his home in Wakaliga, where his wife appealed to authorities to allow him to seek specialized medical care.
Lukwago has denied the allegations against him, maintaining that the charges are politically motivated.
The High Court will now fix a date for the commencement of his trial.
