By Former Kampala Lord Mayor and leader of the PFF Erias Lukwago has been indicted by the High Court on a charge of misprision of treason, according to an indictment dated July 14, 2026.
The prosecution alleges that between 2021 and November 2024, Lukwago, together with others still at large, knew of an alleged plan by several individuals, including Dr Kizza Besigye, Hajji Obeid Lutale, Joel Wakhaima and Frank Kiherere Atukunda, to commit treason but failed to report the information to the relevant authorities or take reasonable steps to prevent the alleged offence. The charge is brought under Section 25 of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 128.
According to the indictment, the allegations stem from investigations into an alleged plot to overthrow the government. Prosecutors claim Lukwago attended a meeting in Brussels where discussions allegedly centred on recruiting a military and security adviser for the alleged plot, but failed to report the information. The state further alleges that he knew of subsequent discussions involving the recruitment and training of supporters and a November 2024 meeting in Nairobi where plans allegedly included acquiring weapons and carrying out attacks against the government, but did not disclose the information to authorities. The prosecution says it intends to rely on covert audio and video recordings, forensic examinations of electronic devices, WhatsApp communications, immigration records and other documentary evidence during the trial.
Before the case was committed to the High Court, Lukwago’s lawyers asked the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court to allow him to travel under prison escort to the Fortis Memorial Research Institute Hospital in India for specialised treatment, citing recommendations from Mulago National Referral Hospital. In the alternative, they requested the replacement of a specialised therapeutic pillow which they said had been dismantled by prison authorities, and sought orders requiring that he be kept in a well ventilated environment.
Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera declined to determine the application, ruling that once the committal papers had been filed, the Magistrate’s Court no longer had jurisdiction and that the requests should instead be made before the High Court as part of Lukwago’s pending bail application. Lukwago, who remains on remand, has said his health has deteriorated in detention and that he requires specialised medical care.
The High Court has since fixed July 24 to hear Lukwago’s bail application before Justice David Matovu. In his application, he argues that he suffers from several chronic medical conditions requiring specialised treatment and maintains that he is entitled to bail because he has a fixed place of residence, is unlikely to abscond and remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Lukwago has not been convicted of the offence. The allegations against him will be determined during the High Court trial, and he remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
