news 17 June 2026 Nile Post
Erias Lukwago Charged with Misprision of Treason, Cites Health Issues for Bail
Former Kampala Lord Mayor and senior counsel Erias Lukwago has been charged with misprision of treason at Makindye Chief Magistrate's Court. His defense team has applied for bail, citing serious health conditions and his professional obligations. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/349259/lukwago-charged-with-misprision-of-treason-seeks-bail-on-health-grounds
Senior counsel and former Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, has been formally charged with misprision of treason before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court. The charge alleges that between 2021 and 2024, in both Kenya and Kampala, Lukwago possessed knowledge of alleged treasonous activities involving several individuals but failed to report this information to the authorities.
Lukwago, who appeared in court accompanied by a robust legal team, vehemently denied the charges. He asserted that the individuals named by the prosecution are his clients and that his actions were purely in his capacity as their legal representative.
The prosecution indicated that investigations are ongoing and sought an adjournment for the case to be mentioned. Lukwago’s legal team immediately moved to apply for bail on his behalf. They argued that as a prominent practicing advocate with a fixed place of residence, he poses no flight risk.
Central to the bail application were Lukwago’s pressing health concerns. His lawyers detailed severe medical conditions, including chronic gastritis requiring continuous supervision, a history of a herniated cervical disc that necessitated surgery in India, and respiratory complications. They also noted that his hypertension has worsened following his recent detention.
His legal team contended that these conditions may have been aggravated during his arrest and subsequent detention, leading to increased pain and a need for urgent medical attention. They presented medical recommendations for specialized treatment, including facilities abroad.
Legislators Betty Aol Ocan, Lulume Bayiga, and Betty Nambooze Bakireke were proposed as sureties for Lukwago’s bail. The charges follow his reported arrest and incommunicado detention by security operatives days prior, an incident that raised concerns due to his legal representation of opposition figure Kizza Besigye.
The court is expected to rule on the bail application and set a date for the next hearing as the investigation progresses.