High Court to Hear Lukwago Misprision of Treason Case as Health Concerns Persist
By Skika Reporter.
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 illness, was brought to court under heavy security. He appeared visibly weak, prompting his legal team to once again raise concerns about his worsening health and the need for specialised medical care.
Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera committed the case to the High Court after the prosecution completed committal proceedings.
The prosecution alleges that Lukwago failed to report information relating to an alleged plot to overthrow the Ugandan government by force. State prosecutors contend that, as leader of the PFF, he was aware of activities involving senior party members but did not inform security authorities as required under the law.
The allegations are linked to the case involving PFF founder Dr Kizza Besigye and his associate Hajj Obeid Lutale, who are also facing treason-related charges before the High Court following their arrest in November 2024.
According to the prosecution, Lukwago was aware of Besigye’s and Lutale’s travels to Nairobi, where they allegedly met individuals suspected of participating in the alleged plot.
Court heard that investigators intend to rely on WhatsApp communications, travel records, forensic reports, immigration documents and audio-visual evidence during the High Court trial. Prosecutors also allege that covert recordings of meetings were made by an intelligence source and later submitted for forensic analysis.
The state further claims that meetings held in Nairobi included discussions about acquiring weapons and planning activities aimed at destabilising the government. Prosecutors allege Lukwago knew about these developments and failed to report them to the relevant authorities.
The charge of misprision of treason, under Section 25 of the Penal Code Act, relates to knowingly withholding information about an intended act of treason instead of reporting it to authorities within a reasonable time.
Before the case was committed, Lukwago’s lawyers, led by Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Ssegona, renewed their application seeking permission for their client to receive specialised treatment abroad. The defence said Lukwago continues to suffer complications arising from previous spinal surgery, as well as hypertension, respiratory problems, acid reflux and balance-related complications.
His legal team argued that the necessary treatment is unavailable while he remains in custody and reiterated their request for authorities to allow him to travel to India for medical care. The court had previously directed Mulago National Referral Hospital to assess his condition following concerns raised by the defence.
On Wednesday, Lukwago’s family held prayers at their home in Wakaliga, where his wife, Zawedde Lubwama, appealed to authorities to permit him to access specialised treatment.
Lukwago denies the allegations against him, insisting the charges are politically motivated. His case will now proceed to the High Court for trial.
