Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has told a Ugandan court that he fears he could die in prison unless he is allowed to receive specialised medical treatment recommended by doctors.
Appearing virtually from Luzira Prison on Tuesday, Mr Lukwago said his health had deteriorated significantly and that he was struggling to access the treatment prescribed by specialists.
During the proceedings, a state prosecutor informed the court that Mr Lukwago was attending the session via Zoom rather than in person. However, the trial magistrate was absent, and another judicial officer said he did not have the authority to handle the case.
Mr Lukwago’s lawyer, Medard Sseggona, objected to the matter being adjourned, arguing that his client’s condition was too serious for the case to be delayed.
“My client is critically ill. It is wrong for this matter to be adjourned without hearing him while he is in such a serious condition,”
Addressing the court, Mr Lukwago said specialists at Mulago National Referral Hospital had examined him for nearly a week and diagnosed him with five serious medical conditions requiring urgent treatment.
“The specialists have examined me and established that I have five serious medical conditions that require urgent treatment,”
He said one of the conditions affects his lungs and makes breathing difficult, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.
Mr Lukwago also said that a bone connecting his shoulder to his collarbone, which had previously been repaired through surgery in April 2024, had broken again.
“Doctors have advised that I return to the hospital where the surgery was performed. By now, I should have travelled to India for specialised treatment,”
He told the court that he had also been diagnosed with a serious ear condition requiring strong medication, but claimed he was receiving only mild treatment while in prison.
According to Mr Lukwago, specialists recommended a special mattress and pillow to help manage his condition, but prison authorities delayed approving the items while carrying out inspections. He further alleged that some medical equipment delivered to him was damaged during security checks.
The former mayor said doctors had additionally diagnosed him with a hernia requiring urgent surgery, persistent severe headaches and an irregular heartbeat needing immediate medical attention.
He argued that the treatment recommended by his doctors could not be adequately provided while he remained incarcerated.
“Keeping me in prison in my current condition is condemning me to death,”
In an emotional appeal, Mr Lukwago said he did not want to die while suffering.
“I pray that God saves me from dying in pain. But if I cannot receive the treatment I need, give me medicine that will allow me to die a painless death,”
His remarks reportedly left several people in the courtroom emotional.
Mr Sseggona asked the court to direct prison authorities to ensure that his client receives the treatment recommended by medical specialists.
“The prison authorities should be directed to do only what they are capable of doing instead of taking actions that continue to worsen my client’s condition,”
The matter was left pending before the trial magistrate.
