Lukwago Further Remanded as Court Defers Bail Ruling to Digital Platform Amid Courtroom Chaos

By Skika Reporter.

The Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court has further remanded former Kampala Lord Mayor and opposition politician Erias Lukwago after the court deferred its ruling on his bail application, citing chaotic courtroom conditions and the complexity of legal issues raised during proceedings.

Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera announced on Monday that the ruling would not be delivered in open court as expected. Instead, it will be issued electronically through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECMIS) within the next 24 hours.

The magistrate ordered Lukwago to return to court on June 30, 2026, for the mention of his case. The date coincides with the scheduled appearance of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, whom Lukwago represents as legal counsel, setting the stage for heightened public and political interest.

According to the court, the environment inside the courtroom had become difficult to manage, making it impractical to proceed with the delivery of the ruling. The magistrate also noted that additional time was needed to review the extensive submissions made by both the defence and prosecution.

Speaking to journalists after the adjournment, lead defence lawyer Medard Lubega Sseggona expressed disappointment over the delay but said the defence team would await the court’s decision through the ECMIS platform.

“Her Worship the Chief Magistrate advised that her ruling is not ready. Owing to the sensitivity of the case and the environment, she undertook to deliver the ruling by email via ECMIS within 24 hours,” Sseggona said.

He further raised concerns about Lukwago’s health while in detention, warning that his condition had continued to deteriorate.

“The health situation gets worse day by day,” Sseggona said, citing previous cases involving detainees whose health challenges worsened while awaiting court decisions. He urged the court to carefully consider the medical evidence presented by the defence.

The case also took on a regional dimension after reports emerged that Kenyan lawyer and politician Martha Karua, who had travelled to Kampala to join Lukwago’s defence team, was allegedly prevented from participating in the proceedings.

Sseggona criticised the move, arguing that accused persons have a right to legal representation of their choice and describing the reported treatment of Karua as inconsistent with the principles of regional cooperation under the East African Community.

“An accused person is entitled to have a lawyer of his or her choice from anywhere. That is why there is room for accreditation,” he said.

Lukwago and Besigye are facing separate legal battles that opposition supporters have described as politically motivated. State authorities have maintained that the cases are being handled in accordance with the law.

Attention now shifts to the ECMIS platform, where the court’s decision on Lukwago’s bail application is expected to be released.