A fresh legal battle unfolded in court as defence lawyer Medard Ssegona pushed for the urgent medical evacuation of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, citing deteriorating health conditions following his arrest in June.
Ssegona, leading the defence team, presented a medical report from Mulago National Referral Hospital and urged the magistrate to allow Lukwago access to specialised treatment outside Uganda.
He requested that remand orders include directives for prison authorities to transfer the accused to Fortis Memorial Hospital in India under official guard and protection.
“The accused requires urgent and specialised medical attention that may not be adequately provided locally,” Ssegona submitted before court, stressing that the request was grounded in medical necessity.
In his submissions, the lawyer outlined a series of conditions aimed at safeguarding Lukwago’s health and welfare during treatment.
These included allowing his wife to accompany him as a caretaker at his own expense and permitting access to visitors during his stay in hospital.
Ssegona further asked the court to ensure that Lukwago is accorded consular support while in India, describing it as a standard entitlement for a citizen receiving treatment abroad.
He proposed that upon discharge, Lukwago be returned to Luzira Murchison Bay Prison as a patient under continued medical observation.
The defence also raised concerns about Lukwago’s current detention conditions.
Ssegona requested that prison authorities provide an orthopaedic pillow and relocate him to a more ventilated cell to mitigate his worsening condition.
In a notable move, the defence counsel asked the court to allow Lukwago to personally supplement the medical report, arguing that he is best placed to explain the severity of his ailments.
“He is in a better position to authoritatively speak about his health challenges,” Ssegona argued.
Lukwago, who is facing charges of misprision of treason, has been in custody since June. The case continues to draw attention, with legal observers closely watching how the court balances medical considerations against ongoing criminal proceedings.