High Court has postponed its ruling on a bail application filed by former Kampala Lord Mayor and opposition politician Erias Lukwago, extending his detention until 30 July 2026 in a closely watched case that has drawn renewed scrutiny over the country’s handling of opposition figures and politically sensitive prosecutions.
Lukwago, who is also the leader of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and a prominent human rights lawyer, appeared before the Criminal Division of the High Court in Kampala on Thursday for the hearing of his bail application before Justice David Matovu.
However, after hearing submissions from both the defence and the prosecution, the court reserved its decision, ordering that the ruling be delivered on 30 July, meaning Lukwago will remain on remand at Luzira Prison until then.
The hearing attracted supporters, lawyers and family members, including Lukwago’s wife and his lead counsel, Medard Lubega Sseggona, who arrived at court early ahead of the proceedings.
Outside the courtroom, supporters alleged that Lukwago was escorted into Justice Matovu’s chambers through an alternative entrance rather than the main courtroom, prompting criticism from some opposition figures who questioned the procedure.
No official explanation had been issued by court authorities regarding the manner in which the accused was brought into the judge’s chambers.
Despite the concerns raised by supporters, the court proceeded with the bail hearing before announcing that the ruling would be delivered next week.
The latest application follows Lukwago’s earlier unsuccessful attempt to secure bail before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court.
His lawyers argue that he has a fixed place of residence, is a senior advocate of the High Court, and is unlikely to interfere with investigations if released on bail.
The defence has also cited concerns over his health while in detention, saying continued incarceration could worsen his medical condition.
Prosecutors, however, have consistently opposed his release, arguing that investigations into the case are still ongoing and maintaining that releasing him could prejudice those investigations. Similar objections were raised when the magistrate’s court denied him bail in June.
Lukwago is facing a charge of misprision of treason, an offence under Ugandan law that alleges a person knew about plans to commit treason but failed to report them to the authorities.
He has denied the accusation.
The charge is linked to broader investigations involving opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, for whom Lukwago has served as legal counsel in separate proceedings. Prosecutors allege that Lukwago concealed information relating to alleged treasonous activities, while the defence insists the case is politically motivated and without merit.
Lukwago’s arrest in June generated widespread attention after opposition leaders alleged that security personnel entered his home before taking him into custody.
The incident attracted criticism from legal professionals and civil society organisations, particularly because Lukwago had been representing detained opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and was also pursuing legal action against Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba over alleged threats made on social media.
Government authorities have not publicly accepted allegations that his prosecution is politically motivated.
The proceedings have become one of Uganda’s most closely followed political cases because Lukwago is both a senior lawyer and one of the country’s best-known opposition figures.
A former Lord Mayor of Kampala, he has spent years challenging government decisions through the courts and has represented numerous opposition politicians in high-profile constitutional and human rights cases. His detention has raised concerns among opposition supporters about the ability of defence lawyers to represent politically sensitive clients without facing prosecution themselves.
Government officials have maintained that the case is being handled independently by the courts and that all accused persons are entitled to due process under Ugandan law.
Justice David Matovu is expected to deliver the ruling on Lukwago’s bail application on 30 July 2026.
