Former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura has raised fresh concerns over the health of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago following a visit to the detained opposition politician.
Nyanjura said Lukwago appeared to have lost more weight and looked worse than he did during her previous visit two weeks earlier, describing his face as noticeably more sunken.
“I checked on Salongo Erias Lukwago yesterday. He looked worse than when I visited him two weeks ago; his face was more sunken,” Nyanjura said in an update shared after the visit.
She said she also spoke to one of the doctors attending to Lukwago, who assured her that medical personnel were doing their best to care for him.
According to Nyanjura, the doctor attributed Lukwago’s changed appearance partly to the conditions associated with being in prison rather than staying at home.
“I spoke to one of the doctors attending to him. He assured me they are doing their level best, and that the sunken look is because he is in prison and not at home,” she said.
Nyanjura concluded her message with a prayer for Lukwago, saying: “May God uphold you, Salongo.”
Lukwago has been in custody over a misprision of treason case. Prosecutors allege that he had information about an alleged plot to overthrow the Ugandan government but failed to report it to the authorities. Lukwago has denied the allegations.
The case was committed to the High Court after the prosecution told the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court that investigations had been completed and that it had sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial.
His continued detention has also triggered a legal battle over bail. His lawyers have argued for his release, citing, among other issues, his health and the length of time he has spent in custody without his trial commencing.
The opposition politician has previously received medical attention while in custody, with his health becoming an increasingly important issue in proceedings surrounding his detention.
Nyanjura’s latest update is likely to renew attention on Lukwago’s wellbeing as his legal team continues efforts to secure his release on bail and prepare for the next stage of the treason-related case.