City lawyer Erias Lukwago on Tuesday, July 7, made an emotional plea before court, asking to be granted bail to seek urgent medical attention, warning that his deteriorating condition could lead to death if not addressed promptly.
Appearing visibly weak, Lukwago told the court that medical specialists at Mulago National Referral Hospital had advised immediate intervention, which he said cannot be effectively managed while in custody.
He described his situation as dire, framing his continued detention as a “death sentence.”
“In a nutshell, Your Worship, I am sentenced to death. I am condemned to death,” Lukwago told the court. “If no rescue is made to get my situation addressed, as advised by the consultants from Mulago, it’s a death sentence for me.”
The lawyer further appealed on humanitarian grounds, expressing fear over the level of pain he is enduring.
In a rare and deeply personal statement, Lukwago said he would rather receive palliative care than continue suffering without adequate treatment.
“And all I can say to Allah, if you are to take me, my Lord, kindly take me without a lot of pain,” he said.
“If I may make a last prayer, instead of taking me through all this pain, I be put on some palliative care so that I die a less painful death.”
His remarks drew attention inside the courtroom, with observers noting the gravity of his condition and the urgency of his request. Lukwago insisted that while death is inevitable, he should not be subjected to prolonged suffering due to limited access to medical care.