Uganda’s political scene has attracted fresh attention after Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba issued another strong statement targeting Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. In a message shared on social media, Muhoozi suggested that his disagreement with the opposition politician was far from over, using words that have sparked fresh debate about the relationship between the military leadership and opposition figures.
“Lukwago did not last 5 minutes in the basement. His holiday with Afande Saleh is over. I’m going to take hold of him again. He can start crying again,” Muhoozi stated. His remarks have attracted attention because of their threatening tone and his suggestion that he intends to pursue the matter involving the Kampala Lord Mayor further.
The reference to Lukwago’s alleged experience in a basement has raised questions about what happened and the circumstances surrounding the incident Muhoozi was referring to. However, his latest statement did not provide a detailed explanation of the events or clarify what he meant by saying that Lukwago’s time with General Salim Saleh was over.
Lukwago is among Uganda’s most outspoken opposition politicians and has spent years challenging government policies and raising concerns about issues affecting Kampala residents. His political career has been marked by frequent disagreements with government authorities, particularly over the management of the capital, public accountability and the treatment of opposition leaders.
General Salim Saleh, whom Muhoozi mentioned in his statement, is a senior military figure and the younger brother of President Yoweri Museveni. Muhoozi’s reference to Lukwago’s alleged stay with Saleh has added another layer of mystery to the remarks, as he did not explain the nature of their interaction or why he described it as a holiday.
The statement has also drawn attention to the significance of Muhoozi’s words, given his position as the head of Uganda’s armed forces. His remarks about taking hold of Lukwago again have raised questions about whether he was referring to a past confrontation or suggesting possible future action. Nevertheless, the statement alone does not establish that any new action against the Lord Mayor has been planned.
Muhoozi’s public statements frequently generate political debate, particularly when they involve prominent opposition figures. His latest comments have once again placed the relationship between Uganda’s military leadership and opposition politicians under the spotlight, with questions about political freedom, security and the limits of public authority likely to feature in the ensuing discussions.
As attention turns to Lukwago’s possible response, Muhoozi’s remarks have renewed interest in the disagreement between the two political figures. Whether the latest statement will lead to further exchanges or developments remains unclear, but the declaration that Lukwago’s holiday with Afande Saleh is over has ensured that their dispute remains a subject of public discussion.
