Activist Agather Atuhaire has criticised the continued detention of opposition figure Erias Lukwago, pointing to his latest court appearance as evidence of worsening health concerns.
Lukwago, who appeared in court from custody, made an emotional plea for release, telling the court his condition had deteriorated and required urgent specialised care.
His lawyers said doctors at the national referral hospital had confirmed he is battling several chronic illnesses that need close medical supervision.
Atuhaire faulted authorities for keeping him in detention despite the medical reports.
“He has pleaded with his tormentors about his deteriorating health, doctors from the national hospital confirm he has several chronic illnesses, but they will still keep him in prison on trumped up charges,” she said.
She added that Lukwago has now spent more than a month in custody under difficult conditions.
“For over a month now… tossing him back and forth as if his life doesn’t matter at all,” Atuhaire stated.
The court adjourned his bail application, extending his stay on remand and pushing the decision to a later date.
The case has since been committed to the High Court, where his legal team is expected to renew the bail request.
Atuhaire warned that further delays could have serious consequences for his health.
“Now we will have to wait another week to see if he will be granted bail while praying it won’t be too late,” she said.
Lukwago’s case has drawn attention among opposition leaders and rights advocates, many of whom have raised concerns about access to healthcare for detainees.
His situation adds to a series of ongoing cases involving opposition figures in Uganda.
The High Court is expected to determine whether he will be released on bail, with his health condition likely to remain central to the application.