The bail ruling in the case involving Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago is now set to be delivered under unusual arrangements after proceedings took a new turn on Monday at the Magistrate’s Court.
Former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, who was present during the proceedings, raised concern over the decision by the court to move the ruling from the open courtroom to the Magistrate’s chambers, with access reportedly restricted to only three lawyers.
According to Nyanjura, the development has raised questions among the defence team and observers who had anticipated a public ruling in court as scheduled.
“Counsel Erias Lukwago’s bail ruling to be delivered in the Magistrate’s chambers and not in court, only three lawyers allowed in the chambers. What the hell is this!” she stated, expressing frustration over the limited access.
Shortly after, she issued another update indicating a further shift in how the ruling will be communicated.
“Heartbreaking!! The Magistrate sitting in her chambers has decided that counsel Erias Lukwago’s bail ruling will be delivered online within 24 hours,” Nyanjura added, suggesting that the decision would no longer be read in open court.
The development has drawn attention from legal observers who say bail rulings are typically delivered in open court to ensure transparency and public access to judicial proceedings.
However, courts retain discretion in procedural matters depending on security, administrative, or logistical considerations.
Lukwago, a prominent opposition figure and long-serving city lawyer, appeared in court earlier on Monday as anticipation built around the bail determination.
The shift in delivery format left supporters and members of the legal fraternity awaiting further clarification from the court.
As of Monday evening, it remained unclear what prompted the decision to move the ruling to chambers and subsequently online. The court is expected to issue the formal ruling within 24 hours as indicated.
The case continues to attract political and public interest given Lukwago’s profile in Kampala’s political and legal landscape, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments ahead of the ruling.