KAMPALA
The High Court Criminal Division has further remanded former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago as it prepares to rule on his application for bail on July 30, 2026.
Lukwago appeared before Justice David Matovu on Thursday, where his lawyers asked the court to release him on bail, citing concerns about his health and the need for access to specialised medical treatment.
The former Lord Mayor told the court that his condition had worsened while receiving treatment at Murchison Bay Hospital and requested to be transferred back to Mulago National Referral Hospital for further medical care.
His lawyers argued that his medical condition should be taken into consideration during the bail proceedings, saying that continued detention could limit his ability to receive the treatment recommended by medical professionals.
The court heard submissions from Lukwago's legal team before reserving its ruling on the bail application. Justice Matovu set Thursday, July 30, 2026, as the date for delivering the ruling.
Lukwago's continued detention has attracted public interest due to his long history in Uganda's political landscape. He is a lawyer, former Member of Parliament for Kampala, and former Lord Mayor of Kampala, where he became known for his outspoken views on city governance and public accountability.
Over the years, Lukwago has remained one of the country's leading opposition figures, frequently participating in national debates on governance, democracy, and the role of elected leaders in public administration.
His supporters have expressed concern about his welfare while in custody, particularly regarding his health, while authorities have maintained that legal matters involving persons in detention are handled through the judicial process.
The case has also contributed to ongoing national discussions about the right to bail, the treatment of detainees, and the responsibility of authorities to ensure access to healthcare for people in custody.
Lukwago will remain on remand until the High Court delivers its ruling on his bail application on July 30, 2026.
