Painful!! Lukwago Narrates The Scaring Things Muhoozi Did To Him After Undressing Him And Taking His Photos

Concerns over the health of former Kampala Lord Mayor and veteran human rights lawyer Erias Lukwago have intensified after his legal team alleged that he was subjected to physical mistreatment and harsh detention conditions before being charged with misprision of treason and remanded to Luzira Prison.

Lukwago appeared before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where he denied the charge of misprision of treason. The prosecution alleges that he failed to report knowledge of plans relating to the unlawful overthrow of the government, an accusation he contests.

Following the court session, his lead lawyer, Medard Lubega Ssegona, painted a troubling picture of his client’s condition, claiming that Lukwago’s health had deteriorated significantly during nearly two days in custody.

Addressing journalists outside court, Ssegona said the detention had aggravated Lukwago’s pre-existing medical challenges and accused authorities of subjecting him to treatment that worsened his condition.

“The medical condition has been worsened by his illegal incarceration, the torture, including physical torture, the apprehension arising out of the uncertainty, being made to sleep on bare ground,” Ssegona said.

He further alleged that Lukwago had been compelled to undertake strenuous physical drills despite his fragile health.

“He was also forced to do physical exercises, even with his frail body. They forced him to do drills, which were exhausting, and that caused him to collapse,” Ssegona told reporters.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and authorities had not publicly responded to the claims at the time of reporting.

During the court proceedings, Ssegona also requested that the court consider his client’s medical needs if he was to remain in custody. He asked that Lukwago be allowed to keep an orthopedic mattress in prison to help manage an existing back condition that the defence says requires special care.

The lawyer further claimed that Lukwago was forcibly shaved with what he described as an unsanitised clipper while in detention, raising concerns about hygiene and his client’s wellbeing.

According to Ssegona, Lukwago was also denied a medically prescribed diet and instead compelled to eat posho and beans, which he said negatively affected his health.

“Mr Erias Lukwago was forcibly shaved using an unsanitised clipper. He was also forced to eat posho and beans despite having a prescribed diet for his medical condition. The meal worsened his health conditions,” Ssegona told the court.

The defence submissions placed Lukwago’s physical condition at the centre of the proceedings, arguing that his medical needs should be taken into account while he remains in custody. However, despite those concerns, the court remanded him to Luzira Prison until June 22, 2026.

Lukwago’s arrest and prosecution have attracted considerable attention because of his status as one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figures and constitutional lawyers. In addition to previously serving as Kampala Lord Mayor, he has represented several high-profile political figures, including opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.

His detention has also prompted criticism from sections of the opposition, civil society organisations and legal practitioners, some of whom have questioned both the circumstances surrounding his arrest and the conditions under which he was held.

The charge of misprision of treason carries serious legal implications and generally concerns the alleged failure to disclose knowledge of plans to commit treason to the relevant authorities. Lukwago has denied the accusation and is expected to continue contesting the case through the courts.

As legal proceedings continue, attention is likely to remain focused not only on the merits of the prosecution’s case but also on the defence’s allegations regarding Lukwago’s treatment in custody and his deteriorating health. Whether those claims prompt further inquiries or judicial intervention remains to be seen.