News
Lukwago committed to High Court over alleged misprision of treason
Lukwago is accused of failing to report information about an alleged plot by opposition figures to overthrow the Government by force of arms.
Former Kampala City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. (Photo by Barbra Kabahumuza)
By: Barbra Kabahumuza and Michael Odeng, Journalists @New Vision
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The Chief Magistrate’s Court at Makindye has committed former Kampala City Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago to the High Court to stand trial over charges of misprision of treason.
The decision was made today morning (July 16) after the prosecution team informed court that investigations into the matter had been completed and that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had decided to commit Lukwago for trial before the High Court.
Lukwago is accused of failing to report information about an alleged plot by opposition figures to overthrow the Government by force of arms.
According to the committal papers filed before court, prosecution alleges that Lukwago, being a leader of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), knew that former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president Col (Rtd) Dr Kizza Besigye and his aide Haji Obeid Lutale had travelled to Nairobi, Kenya, to attend a secret meeting where plans to destabilise the Government were allegedly discussed.
The State alleges that Lukwago was aware of discussions involving an alleged plot to assassinate the President of Uganda (Yoweri Museveni) using a helicopter, but failed to report the information to the relevant authorities.
Prosecution further alleges that Lukwago knew about and facilitated the travel of 32 recruits to Nairobi, Kenya, for military training.
According to the State, Lukwago also learnt about several meetings held outside Uganda, which were allegedly attended by Dr Besigye, where discussions on plans to overthrow the Government using firearms were held.
The prosecution contends that Lukwago, Dr Besigye, Haji Lutale and others, acted with a common intention to commit offences related to treason.
The prosecution informed court that during the trial before the High Court, they will rely on evidence including voice recordings allegedly made by state agents, who attended the meetings where the alleged plans were discussed.
Prosecution further alleges that Lukwago knew about and facilitated the travel of 32 recruits to Nairobi, Kenya, for military training.
According to the State, Lukwago also learnt about several meetings held outside Uganda, which were allegedly attended by Dr Besigye, where discussions on plans to overthrow the Government using firearms were held.
The prosecution contends that Lukwago, Dr Besigye, Haji Lutale and others, acted with a common intention to commit offences related to treason.
The prosecution informed court that during the trial before the High Court, they will rely on evidence including voice recordings allegedly made by state agents, who attended the meetings where the alleged plans were discussed.
The prosecution will also present immigration records and travel documents relating to the movements of the accused persons and other individuals, who allegedly attended meetings outside Uganda.
The state alleges that the evidence will demonstrate the alleged communication, meetings and movement of persons linked to the alleged plot.
Following the committal, Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera ceased to have jurisdiction over the matter.
Lukwago will remain on remand pending his appearance before the High Court, where he will be formally tried on the indictment.
The case against Lukwago arises from investigations into alleged activities involving Dr Besigye, Haji Lutale and others, who are separately facing treason-related charges.
The High Court has already fixed the treason case against Dr Besigye and Haji Lutale for hearing on July 29, 2026.
Lukwago, who is also an advocate and former Kampala Central Member of Parliament, has denied the allegations and will have an opportunity to defend himself when the trial begins before the High Court.
The state alleges that the evidence will demonstrate the alleged communication, meetings and movement of persons linked to the alleged plot.
Following the committal, Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera ceased to have jurisdiction over the matter.
Lukwago will remain on remand pending his appearance before the High Court, where he will be formally tried on the indictment.
The case against Lukwago arises from investigations into alleged activities involving Dr Besigye, Haji Lutale and others, who are separately facing treason-related charges.
The High Court has already fixed the treason case against Dr Besigye and Haji Lutale for hearing on July 29, 2026.
Lukwago, who is also an advocate and former Kampala Central Member of Parliament, has denied the allegations and will have an opportunity to defend himself when the trial begins before the High Court.