Former Erias Lukwago did not appear before the Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday after prison authorities informed the court that he is still admitted at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment.

Lukwago, who is facing a charge of misprision of treason, had been scheduled to return to court for an update on the status of police investigations.

However, the proceedings were conducted in the magistrate’s chambers after the court received official communication from the Uganda Prisons Service explaining that he was medically unable to attend.

According to the prison authorities, Lukwago remains under the care of specialists at Mulago hospital and is undergoing further medical evaluation and treatment.

The authorities informed the court that doctors recommended he continue receiving medical care before appearing in court.

His lawyer, Medard Lubega Sseggona, later confirmed that he recently visited Lukwago in hospital together with the accused’s wife and found him still unwell. He said Lukwago’s condition had not improved enough for him to attend the court session.

Following the update, Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera adjourned the matter to July 7, 2026, to allow police investigations to continue and for the court to receive an update on Lukwago’s health.

Lukwago was transferred from Luzira Murchison Bay Prison to Mulago National Referral Hospital on June 25 after another court ordered prison authorities to provide him with specialised medical treatment amid concerns about his health while on remand.

In an earlier ruling, the Chief Magistrate declined to grant him bail but directed that he undergo a comprehensive medical examination and receive appropriate treatment.

The court also ordered that his wife and one lawyer of his choice be allowed reasonable access to him and that they receive copies of medical reports prepared by the attending specialists.
Lukwago has told the court that he suffers from hypertension, gastritis, respiratory complications and a spinal condition.

The prosecution alleges that between 2021 and November 2024, Lukwago was aware of an alleged plan by his clients, Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, to overthrow the government but intentionally failed to report the alleged plot to the authorities.

He has denied the allegations and remains on remand as the case proceeds.