The chief magistrates court in Makindye has rejected the application for bail by lawyer Erias Lukwago.
Lukwago, who is accused of misprision of treason last week asked court to release him on bail citing his chronic illness.
However in a ruling delivered via email on Tuesday, Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera said Lukwago can ably receive medical treatment while in prison without being released on bail.
“In that regard, the Court considers that the applicant’s continued access to appropriate healthcare can and should be secured without necessarily admitting him to bail,” she ruled.
The magistrate also noted that while investigations into the matter are ongoing, intefering with with them cannot be ignored while assessing the potential impact of Lukwago’s release at this stage.
She said in her view, the interests of justice are better served by declining the bail application while simultaneously ensuring that the applicant’s constitutional right to dignity, health and access to appropriate medical care is fully protected through suitable directions of court.
The magistrate however directed the Officer in Charge of Murchison Bay Prison and the Commissioner General of Prisons to refer Lukwago to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a comprehensive medical assessment and treatment, if any, by the appropriate specialists, taking into account the medical records and reports already on the court record.
“The applicant’s wife and one advocate of his choice shall be permitted reasonable access during the referral and treatment process at all times, and shall be allowed to receive a copy of the medical report and recommendations issued by the attending specialists subject to applicable prison regulations and security requirements,” she noted.
