Lukwago, Obore, Mufumbiro: A Glimpse into Life at Luzira Prison

Erias Lukwago, the former Lord Mayor of Kampala and president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), has been confined to the prison hospital since his arrest and remand to Luzira on June 15. Lukwago states that his delicate health, requiring specialized care for five chronic conditions including hypertension and spinal issues, necessitates his stay in the hospital ward. His medical reports from Mulago National Specialized Hospital indicate a need for further spinal review in India, highlighting complexities with artificial implants that complicate MRI scans.

Lukwago faces significant daily challenges in managing his diet and sleep due to his conditions. He requires a special diet for his Gerd, which is unavailable in prison, and the standard prison meal times of 2 pm for supper make managing his condition difficult. Furthermore, his need to sleep with his bed elevated for Gerd clashes with the requirement for a flat, hard surface for his spine, creating a constant dilemma.

His arrest on June 15 involved armed operatives reportedly breaching his home after he intended to serve court papers to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Lukwago recounts a violent apprehension, including being blindfolded and allegedly slapped during interrogation, though the charges eventually brought against him were for misprision of treason.

Elsewhere in Luzira, Chris Obore, the interdicted communication director at Parliament, is on remand facing embezzlement charges. He and six others are committed to the High Court for allegedly embezzling Shs 26.8 billion. Obore expressed resignation, stating, “I’m now here and I don’t know when I will ever leave.”

Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, deputy spokesperson for the National Unity Platform (NUP), is nearing a year on remand. While many co-accused have accepted plea bargains and shorter sentences, Mufumbiro and eight others are refusing to plead guilty to charges they deny. Mufumbiro has endured significant personal loss while incarcerated, including the death of his wife to cancer and the failure of his parliamentary bid.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/how-erias-lukwago-obore-and-mufumbiro-are-faring-at-luzira