The Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court has committed former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago to the High Court for trial on charges of misprision of treason, amid concerns from his lawyers over his continued detention and what they describe as a decline in his health.
The decision was delivered by Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera after the prosecution informed the court that investigations into the case had been completed.
Chief State Attorney Judith Nyamwiza told court that the State had gathered what it considers sufficient evidence allegedly linking Lukwago and several other individuals to a plot to overthrow the government using firearms.
Those named in the prosecution’s investigations include Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obed Lutale, Salam Musumba, Ssemujju Nganda, Lubega Mukaaku, and Charles Lwomushana.
According to the committal papers, Lukwago is alleged to have facilitated the travel of 36 Ugandans to Kisumu, Kenya, where they were purportedly taken for training intended to support efforts to topple the government.
The prosecution further alleges that there were plans to assassinate President Yoweri Museveni through a helicopter strike, and that Lukwago was aware of the alleged scheme but failed to report it to the relevant authorities.
Following the court’s decision, Lukwago’s lead defence lawyer, Medard Lubega Ssegona, challenged the continued detention of his client, citing concerns over his deteriorating health condition.
Ssegona said doctors at Mulago National Referral Hospital had recommended that Lukwago be referred to India for specialized treatment, but that the recommendation had not yet been acted upon.
Chief Magistrate Basemera informed Lukwago that, following his committal to the High Court, he has the right to apply for bail before that court, where the matter will now proceed to trial.
The allegations contained in the committal papers remain claims by the prosecution.
Lukwago is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by the High Court.
By Charles Katabalwa
16th July 20276
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