Magistrate Sends Lukwago's Medical Treatment Request to High Court

The Makindye Chief Magistrate's Court has refused to hear an application for former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago to travel to India for specialized medical treatment. The court ruled that the matter now falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court, as Lukwago is facing charges of treason and misprision of treason.

Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera stated on Thursday that her court could not grant the request because Lukwago's case had already been committed to the High Court for trial. She advised Lukwago's defense team to present their application to the High Court, which now has the legal authority to decide on further applications related to the case.

Lukwago, who appeared frail in court, is accused of failing to report information about an alleged plot to overthrow the government. His lawyers, led by Medard Lubega Sseggona, presented a medical report from Mulago National Referral Hospital. The report indicated that Lukwago requires urgent review by the Indian surgeons who previously performed his cervical disc replacement surgery due to complications.

The defense explained that Mulago specialists could not repeat certain MRI investigations because they were unsure if the available equipment was compatible with Lukwago's artificial cervical disc implants. While Lukwago receives symptom management at Murchison Bay Prison, the defense argued this does not address the underlying condition. They requested permission for Lukwago to travel to India under security escort, accompanied by his wife as a caretaker, at his own expense, before returning to prison.