KAMPALA — Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has made an emotional appeal for urgent medical intervention, telling court that his health has deteriorated significantly while on remand and warning that continued incarceration without specialized treatment could prove fatal.

Lukwago made the remarks on Tuesday while appearing virtually before court from Luzira Prison. During the proceedings, he said he was unable to access the treatment prescribed by medical specialists despite being diagnosed with multiple serious health conditions.

The session opened with the prosecution informing court that Lukwago was participating via Zoom rather than appearing physically. However, the trial magistrate was absent, and the judicial officer present informed the parties that he lacked the authority to handle the matter.

The development prompted an objection from Lukwago's lawyer, Medard Sseggona, who questioned why the case could not proceed and why no explanation had been offered for his client's virtual appearance.

"My client is critically ill. It is wrong for this matter to be adjourned without hearing him while he is in such a serious condition," Sseggona submitted.

Addressing the court, Lukwago said specialists at Mulago National Referral Hospital had examined him for nearly a week and diagnosed him with five serious medical conditions requiring urgent treatment.

According to Lukwago, he is suffering from a lung condition that makes breathing difficult, particularly in poorly ventilated environments, as well as a recurrence of an injury to the bone connecting his shoulder to his collarbone. He said the bone, which was repaired through surgery in April 2024, has broken again.

He told court that doctors had advised him to return to the hospital where the surgery was performed and noted that he should by now have travelled to India for specialized treatment.

Lukwago further said doctors had diagnosed him with a serious ear condition requiring strong medication, but claimed he was only receiving mild medication while in prison. He also disclosed that specialists recommended the use of a special mattress and pillow to manage his condition, but prison authorities delayed approving the items after insisting on inspecting them.

He alleged that some of the medical equipment delivered to him was damaged during security inspections, further complicating his treatment.

The former Lord Mayor also informed court that he had been diagnosed with a hernia requiring urgent surgery, persistent severe headaches, and an irregular heartbeat that demands immediate medical attention.

He argued that the treatment prescribed by specialists cannot be adequately provided while he remains in custody.

"Keeping me in prison in my current condition is condemning me to death," Lukwago told the court.

In an emotional plea, he urged the court to intervene, saying he feared dying while in pain if he continued to be denied the recommended treatment.

His remarks visibly moved several people present in the courtroom.

Sseggona asked the court to direct prison authorities to facilitate the medical care recommended by specialists. He argued that although prison officials had previously assured the court they could provide adequate healthcare, their actions had instead worsened his client's condition.

"The prison authorities should be directed to do only what they are capable of doing instead of taking actions that continue to worsen my client's condition," Sseggona submitted.

The matter was left pending before the trial magistrate, with Lukwago remaining on remand as he awaits further court proceedings and a decision on his request for specialized medical care.