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Lukwago to know bail fate today
According to the prosecution, Lukwago concealed information about an alleged plot by his client, four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye, and his aide, Obeid Lutale, to commit treason.
Lukwago, who is also the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) president, applied for bail last Thursday, citing ill-health.
By: Michael Odeng, Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - The former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who is charged with misprision of treason, is today (June 22) set to know his bail fate.
Lukwago, who is also the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) president, applied for bail last Thursday, citing ill-health.
However, the prosecution team asked for more time to scrutinise his medical documents, prompting Makindye Court Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera to remand him up to today. Basemera is expected to deliver the ruling on Lukwago’s bail application today.
Through his lawyer Medard Sseggona, Lukwago requested the court to grant him bail, arguing that he has a fixed placed of board at Wakaliga, a Kampala suburb.
Sseggona submitted that Lukwago understands the implications of bail and will abide with all conditions and terms the court is scheduled to set. He also argued that Lukwago was of advanced age (56 years).
The defence lawyer also stated that Lukwago is suffering from gastritis, which requires consistent medical supervision by specialised personnel.
He said that as a result of the condition, Lukwago has to take small quantities of food provided at particular intervals accompanied by particular medication.
“Following the brutal arrest and management of the accused when he was under detention, the spine has dislocated, which requires neurological intervention,” the lawyer argued. Sseggona further said Lukwago suffers from a respiratory ailment.
Sseggona also told court that Lukwago suffers from hypertension, a condition he (Sseggona) said had worsened during the two days he (Lukwago) spent in military detention.
Sseggona submitted that Lukwago was not a flight risk and undertakes not to leave the country without a court order.
The defence lawyer also stated that Lukwago is suffering from gastritis, which requires consistent medical supervision by specialised personnel.
He said that as a result of the condition, Lukwago has to take small quantities of food provided at particular intervals accompanied by particular medication.
“Following the brutal arrest and management of the accused when he was under detention, the spine has dislocated, which requires neurological intervention,” the lawyer argued. Sseggona further said Lukwago suffers from a respiratory ailment.
Sseggona also told court that Lukwago suffers from hypertension, a condition he (Sseggona) said had worsened during the two days he (Lukwago) spent in military detention.
Sseggona submitted that Lukwago was not a flight risk and undertakes not to leave the country without a court order.
Sseggona also presented to court three people to stand surety for Lukwago. They included Gulu City MP Betty Aol Ochan, Mukono municipality MP Betty Nambooze and former Buikwe South MP Michael Lulume Bayiga.
Prosecution response
However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions asked the court not to grant bail to Lukwago, arguing that the charges he is facing are grave in nature and raises national security concerns.
In written submissions filed before the Makindye Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday (June 19), the prosecution stated that Lukwago allegedly knew of a plot to overthrow the Government but failed to report it to the relevant authorities.
“The offences related to treason have far-reaching implications for national security because they involve allegations connected to attempts to overthrow the Government,” Senior State Attorney Judith Nyamwiza submitted. She is being assisted by Carol Opiya.
Nyamwiza stated that such offences have the potential to destabilise the country, trigger violence, cause loss of life and disrupt the economy.
Citing previous court decisions, the prosecution invited court to balance the constitutional rights of the accused with the need to safeguard society and protect national security.
According to the prosecution, Lukwago concealed information about an alleged plot by his client, four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye, and his aide, Obeid Lutale, to commit treason.
Prosecution further alleges that Lukwago withheld information from government authorities regarding the alleged involvement of Joel Wakayima and Frank Tuhaire Atukunda in the purported treason plot.
Lukwago is among the lawyers representing Besigye and Lutale, who are charged with treason and misprision of treason alongside Capt. Denish Oyaa Oola attached to the Uganda People's Defence Forces Armoured Brigade. The offences attract a maximum sentence of death upon conviction.
The treason trial of Besigye and his co-accused is yet to commence and is scheduled to be heard before Justice Emmanuel Baguma of the Criminal Division of the High Court.
Prosecution response
However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions asked the court not to grant bail to Lukwago, arguing that the charges he is facing are grave in nature and raises national security concerns.
In written submissions filed before the Makindye Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday (June 19), the prosecution stated that Lukwago allegedly knew of a plot to overthrow the Government but failed to report it to the relevant authorities.
“The offences related to treason have far-reaching implications for national security because they involve allegations connected to attempts to overthrow the Government,” Senior State Attorney Judith Nyamwiza submitted. She is being assisted by Carol Opiya.
Nyamwiza stated that such offences have the potential to destabilise the country, trigger violence, cause loss of life and disrupt the economy.
Citing previous court decisions, the prosecution invited court to balance the constitutional rights of the accused with the need to safeguard society and protect national security.
According to the prosecution, Lukwago concealed information about an alleged plot by his client, four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye, and his aide, Obeid Lutale, to commit treason.
Prosecution further alleges that Lukwago withheld information from government authorities regarding the alleged involvement of Joel Wakayima and Frank Tuhaire Atukunda in the purported treason plot.
Lukwago is among the lawyers representing Besigye and Lutale, who are charged with treason and misprision of treason alongside Capt. Denish Oyaa Oola attached to the Uganda People's Defence Forces Armoured Brigade. The offences attract a maximum sentence of death upon conviction.
The treason trial of Besigye and his co-accused is yet to commence and is scheduled to be heard before Justice Emmanuel Baguma of the Criminal Division of the High Court.