Opposition Leader Erias Lukwago Bail Hearing Postponed After Judge Tending to Sick Mother
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has demanded the release of its executive chairman, Erias Lukwago, saying his bail hearing failed to proceed on Friday after Justice David Matovu was reportedly unavailable to attend to his ill mother.
In a statement, the opposition party said no new hearing date had been set, prolonging the lawyer’s detention as his health allegedly deteriorates.
“Medical doctors have repeatedly advised that he urgently requires specialized medical attention to save his life,” the party said.
Lukwago, a former Kampala Lord Mayor and lawyer for detained opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, faces a charge of misprision of treason.
He denied the charge after appearing before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on June 17 and was subsequently committed to the High Court for trial.
The PFF criticised the latest delay, drawing a comparison between the reported reason for the judge’s absence and Lukwago’s requests for release on medical grounds.
“While family health is a human priority, it is deeply ironical … that the judiciary grants a judge leave for a relative’s health, yet refuses to acknowledge the critical health condition of a man who has been unjustly detained for four months,” the statement said.
Lukwago’s health has been central to his previous bail applications.
During an earlier hearing, he told court that he suffered spinal complications following neck surgery involving artificial disc implants and required review by the specialists who operated on him in India.
On July 30, Matovu declined to grant bail, citing the absence of a medical report certified by a prison medical officer confirming that prison health services could not manage Lukwago’s condition.
The judge also raised procedural issues arising from his committal to the High Court.
The PFF accused the Judiciary of facilitating political persecution, an allegation not established by the information available, and urged authorities to prioritise Lukwago’s access to treatment.
“We demand for his unconditional release so that he accesses the much needed life saving medical attention,” the party said
