“By adjourning without setting a new date, the court is effectively signing a death warrant and turning the judiciary into an instrument for political persecution,” the statement reads.
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has criticised the judiciary after the bail hearing of its Executive Chairman, Erias Lukwago, failed to proceed on Friday following the absence of the presiding judge, Justice David Matovu.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, the party said the hearing was halted after Justice Matovu reportedly indicated that he needed to attend to his ill mother.
PFF acknowledged the importance of family health but questioned what it described as a disparity in the treatment of the judge’s family circumstances and Lukwago’s alleged deteriorating health while in detention.
The party claimed that Lukwago had been detained for four months and that medical doctors had repeatedly advised that he urgently required specialised medical attention.
“By adjourning without setting a new date, the court is effectively signing a death warrant and turning the judiciary into an instrument for political persecution,” the statement reads.
PFF further argued that Lukwago, a lawyer and officer of court, had consistently respected the rule of law, adding that his case should be treated as a matter of urgency rather than being delayed by legal and procedural considerations.
The party expressed concern that the failure to set a new hearing date could further delay access to the medical care it says Lukwago urgently needs.
It called for his unconditional release to enable him to receive specialised medical treatment.
“However, this is no longer just about legal technicalities but about a human life,” the statement added.
The party’s demands come amid concerns it has raised over Lukwago’s health and continued detention.
Lukwago is facing a charge of misprision of treason, which the prosecution says arose from an alleged plot involving opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and other individuals. Lukwago denies the charge. He has also sought bail on medical grounds, arguing that his health requires specialised treatment.
