Makindye Court Defers Lukwago's India Medical Trip Plea to High Court

The Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court has refused to rule on an application requesting former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago be transferred to India for specialized medical treatment. Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera stated that the court no longer has the jurisdiction to consider such a request following Lukwago’s committal to the High Court for trial on charges of treason and misprison of treason.

Lukwago’s lawyers had presented a medical report from Mulago National Referral Hospital, indicating the former mayor requires urgent review by specialists in India due to complications from previous cervical spine surgery. According to the defence, local specialists were unable to conduct necessary MRI investigations to assess the compatibility of his artificial cervical disc implants with available equipment.

The defence sought permission for Lukwago to travel to India’s Fortis Memorial Research Institute under security escort, with his wife accompanying him as a caretaker, at his own expense. Lukwago himself testified that his current medical care in custody largely focuses on pain management, failing to address the underlying issues.

Magistrate Basemera advised Lukwago’s legal team to pursue the medical treatment application before the High Court, emphasizing that any decisions concerning his specialized care outside the country now fall under its jurisdiction. Lukwago appeared visibly frail in court when the ruling was made regarding his committal and subsequent medical plea.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/356724/magistrate-sends-lukwagos-medical-treatment-request-to-high-court