Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has reportedly been rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital in critical condition, raising fresh concerns about his health while in detention. According to his family, Lukwago was taken to the hospital after his condition deteriorated, although details about his illness and the treatment he is receiving remain unclear.

The development was confirmed by family members on Monday, October 19, 2026, amid growing concern over the welfare of opposition figures held in custody. The Uganda Prisons Service had not issued an official statement on his latest hospitalisation by press time, while attempts to obtain a comment from prisons spokesperson Frank Baine were unsuccessful.

Lukwago’s latest health scare comes as he continues to face legal proceedings over allegations of failing to report information relating to an alleged treason plot involving opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and other individuals. He was arrested on June 15, 2026, after security personnel reportedly raided his home in Wakaliga, Kampala, before he was presented in court two days later and charged with misprision of treason. He has denied the allegations.

His detention has been accompanied by repeated concerns about his medical condition, particularly because of his history of cervical spine surgery in India. His lawyers have previously reported that he experiences severe pain around the operated area and requires specialised medical attention that may not be adequately provided within prison facilities.

On June 25, Lukwago was transferred from Murchison Bay Prison in Luzira to Mulago National Referral Hospital following a court directive requiring prison authorities to facilitate specialised medical assessment and treatment. His legal team has continued to raise concerns about his physical condition, arguing that his health problems require closer medical attention and appropriate follow-up care.

The former lord mayor has also sought release on bail, citing his medical needs, fixed place of residence and willingness to present suitable sureties. In a fresh application reported on Monday, his lawyers argued that he had spent more than 60 days on remand without trial and needed specialised treatment, including a post-operative review of his cervical spine. The latest hospitalisation is likely to intensify calls for authorities to address his medical needs.

Lukwago’s situation has also drawn attention because of the continuing health concerns surrounding Dr Besigye, whom he had been representing in a treason case before his own arrest. Besigye collapsed during court proceedings in July and was taken to Mulago for emergency treatment.

His discharge on August 7 sparked controversy after his wife, Winnie Byanyima, questioned whether he was sufficiently recovered to return to Luzira Prison.Since Besigye’s return to prison, Byanyima has continued to express concerns about his condition and access to appropriate medical care.

With Lukwago now reportedly hospitalised in critical condition, questions are once again emerging about the medical support available to detainees with serious health complications. However, the full details of Lukwago’s current condition remain unknown, and an official statement from the relevant authorities is still awaited.