Erias Lukwago escorted by Prison officers at the High Court in Kampala. Kampala, Uganda | URN | The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has asked the High Court Criminal Division to deny bail to People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) president Erias Lukwago, arguing that his release could jeopardise his trial because of his political influence, the gravity of the charges against him and the risk of interfering with prosecution witnesses. In an affidavit filed before the Criminal Division of the High Court, Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo contends that Lukwago has not demonstrated exceptional circumstances to justify his release pending trial on a charge of misprision of treason.
The State disputes Lukwago’s claim that his deteriorating health cannot be managed while in prison, maintaining that the Uganda Prisons Service has adequate medical personnel to provide the treatment he requires. Prosecutors also rejected allegations that Lukwago was assaulted in detention, subjected to forced physical drills or held in conditions that have worsened his health. According to the DPP, Lukwago’s prominence as a senior advocate, former Kampala Lord Mayor and president of the People’s Front for Freedom gives him significant influence that could be used to interfere with State witnesses if he is released.
The prosecution further argues that the sureties presented by Lukwago do not provide sufficient assurance that he will return to court. His proposed sureties include his law partner Chrysostom Katumba, his elder brother Abdul Sewankambo, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke and former Rubaga North MP Moses Kasibante. The State also points to the seriousness of the offence, noting that misprision of treason carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, creating what it describes as a substantial risk that Lukwago could abscond if granted bail.
“The charges relate to alleged activities that undermine the affairs and security of Uganda,” the affidavit states, adding that releasing the accused could prejudice the prosecution if witnesses are influenced or if the accused fails to appear for trial. The matter came before Justice David Matovu on Friday. Rather than hearing oral arguments, the judge directed both parties to file written submissions before ruling on the application.
The defence is expected to file its submissions first, followed by the prosecution…
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