news 19 October 2026 Nile Post

Erias Lukwago Rushed to Mulago Hospital in Critical Condition

Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital in a critical state, according to his family. This development raises renewed concerns about the medical care provided to detained opposition figures. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/379652/lukwago-rushed-to-mulago-as-family-says-he-is-in-critical-condition

Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital, with his family reporting that he is in critical condition. The family shared this update on Monday, expressing grave concern over his health.

The Uganda Prisons Service had not released a public statement regarding Lukwago’s condition by press time, and attempts to reach spokesperson Frank Baine for comment were unsuccessful.

Lukwago’s hospitalization occurs amidst ongoing concerns about the health of other detained opposition leaders, notably Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye himself was hospitalized at Mulago in July after collapsing during his treason trial, and his subsequent discharge in August sparked controversy and disputes between his family and authorities regarding his fitness to leave the hospital.

Lukwago, who was representing Besigye in the treason case before his own arrest, was apprehended on June 15, 2026, and charged with misprision of treason. He has repeatedly cited health complications and the need for specialized medical treatment in his bail applications.

Previously, Lukwago was transferred from Luzira Prison to Mulago on June 25 following a court order for specialized medical assessment. His legal team reported then that he was experiencing severe pain and weakness, particularly related to a previous spinal surgery. In his latest bail application, he highlighted the need for post-operative review and treatment for other medical conditions, arguing that prison facilities were inadequate.

The recent transfer to Mulago underscores the severity of his health issues, though the specifics of his current illness and treatment remain undisclosed.

This situation further amplifies questions about the adequacy of healthcare services within the prison system, especially for detainees with complex medical needs.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/379652/lukwago-rushed-to-mulago-as-family-says-he-is-in-critical-condition