Former Kampala Lord Mayor and Senior Counsel Erias Lukwago on Thursday told the Luzira Magistrates Court that his deteriorating health, if not treated as recommended by doctors at Mulago National Referral Hospital, amounts to "a death sentence."

Lukwago, who appeared before the court virtually via Zoom, said he is enduring severe pain and appealed for compassionate medical intervention.

"If this pain is not addressed as advised by the doctors at Mulago, it is a death sentence for me," Lukwago told the court.

In an emotional plea, he prayed that if his condition could not be adequately treated, he should at least be allowed to receive palliative care to ease his suffering.

"Instead of taking me through this pain, let me be put on palliative care so that I die a less painful death," he said.

Three weeks ago, Lukwago was charged with misprision of treason. Prosecutors allege that he knowingly failed to report an alleged treason plot involving his client, four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, to the relevant authorities.

According to the prosecution, Lukwago was aware of the alleged plans but deliberately failed to inform law enforcement agencies, leading to the charges against him.

Despite citing serious health concerns, Lukwago was denied bail by the court, a decision that his supporters argue places his life at significant risk.

His case has drawn comparisons to that of the late Dr. Kizza Besigye , the former Kawempe North Member of Parliament, who suffered prolonged health complications while in detention. Ssegirinya was repeatedly denied bail despite concerns about his deteriorating condition, prompting criticism from human rights advocates and sections of the public.

Lukwago's legal proceedings continue as concerns over his health and access to appropriate medical care remain at the center of public debate.