Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court was on Monday morning, June 22, 2026, filled to capacity as the high-profile bail hearing of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago got underway under tight security and heightened public interest.
Former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, who was among those present at the court, gave an early update on the situation outside and inside the courtroom as proceedings were expected to begin.
In a brief statement, she said: “We are already at Makindye court, court packed to full capacity. Heavy deployment. Counsel Erias Lukwago is yet to arrive from Luzira prison.”
The remarks underscored the tense atmosphere surrounding the hearing, with security personnel heavily deployed around the court premises to manage the growing number of supporters, legal observers, and members of the public seeking access to the proceedings.
Lukwago is expected before court for the ruling on his bail application in a case where he faces a charge of misprision of treason.
The charge stems from allegations that he failed to report information connected to an alleged treason-related plot between 2021 and 2024, accusations he has previously denied.
His legal team is pushing for his release on bail, citing among other grounds his medical condition.
Defence lawyers have argued that Lukwago is suffering from serious health complications, including hypertension and a spinal disc injury, which they say have worsened during his time in detention at Luzira Prison.
The prosecution is expected to challenge the bail application, maintaining that the charges are serious and linked to ongoing investigations involving multiple individuals.