Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital after his health reportedly deteriorated while in detention at Luzira Prison.
This is the second time in less than two months that Lukwago has been taken to hospital over concerns about his health, following a similar incident on August 30.
According to a statement shared by his social media handler, Lukwago was transferred to Mulago on Monday after his condition worsened.
“PFF Executive Chairman Counsel @EriasLukwago was this morning evacuated to Mulago Referral Hospital following his deteriorating health condition. He requires further referral to a more specialised facility; however, the concerned authorities are still adamant to permit this,” the post reads.
Lukwago’s former deputy, Doreen Nyanjura, also confirmed his hospitalisation, describing his condition as critical.
“Salongo @EriasLukwago in a critical condition, rushed to Mulago Hospital,” Nyanjura posted.
Lukwago has a history of chronic back problems. According to his associates, medical specialists at Mulago previously advised him to seek further assessment at a specialised facility abroad. However, they say he has not been granted permission to pursue the recommended referral.
His latest hospitalisation has renewed concerns among his associates and supporters about his health and access to specialised medical care while in detention.
The development comes as Lukwago faces a charge of misprision of treason in connection with allegations that he failed to report an alleged plot involving opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye.
Lukwago, who was arrested on June 15, was charged with the offence and subsequently added to the same case file as Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale.
Misprision of treason generally refers to the alleged failure to report knowledge of treason or a treasonous plot to the relevant authorities.
Besigye and Lutale have remained on remand following their arrest in Kenya in November 2024 over allegations of plotting to overthrow the Ugandan government.
The latest developments have prompted political figures and activists to renew calls for Lukwago’s release to enable him to access specialised medical care.
National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has called for Lukwago’s immediate release, citing the need to protect his health and human dignity.
“Joining the rest of well-meaning Ugandans to demand for the urgent release of Counsel Erias Lukwago. We owe ourselves a country where no amount of political disagreement is greater than citizens’ right to life and human dignity,” he said.
The calls have intensified as Lukwago’s associates continue to express concern over his condition and the reported difficulties in securing access to specialised treatment.
