KAMPALA, Uganda
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has sparked fresh political debate after making a series of statements targeting media organizations and opposition leaders, while suggesting a larger political role for his Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
The remarks, made through Gen. Muhoozi’s social media platforms, come amid heightened political tensions following the recent detention and court appearance of People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) president and lawyer Erias Lukwago.
In his latest comments, Gen. Muhoozi claimed he had been authorized by President Yoweri Museveni to take action against Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda, accusing the media outlets of repeatedly mocking and undermining the First Family during the National Resistance Movement’s nearly four decades in power.
However, neither State House nor the President had publicly confirmed any such authorization at the time of publication.
The statements have raised concerns among media freedom advocates, who argue that independent journalism plays a critical role in democratic governance and public accountability.
Gen. Muhoozi also suggested that the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) could seek to take over the position of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Parliament.
The position is currently held by Joel Ssenyonyi, the Nakawa West MP and a senior member of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Under Uganda’s parliamentary system, the Leader of the Opposition is traditionally drawn from the largest opposition party represented in Parliament.
CDF further threatened action against Joel Ssenyonyi and former Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, accusing them of criticizing his conduct and public statements.
The two opposition figures have recently condemned remarks made by Gen. Muhoozi regarding Lukwago’s detention and have questioned the role of security agencies in political affairs.
In their criticism, Ssenyonyi and Ssemujju argued that recent developments bear similarities to aspects of the rule of former President Idi Amin, citing concerns about alleged abductions, intimidation of political opponents, attacks on media freedom, and the weakening of independent institutions.
Their comments followed Gen. Muhoozi’s social media posts in which he appeared to claim responsibility for Lukwago’s detention before later stating that he would hand him over to police.
The government has previously rejected comparisons between the current administration and past military regimes, maintaining that Uganda operates under constitutional governance and the rule of law.
Remarks have intensified discussion around civil liberties, media freedom, and the role of the military in political matters as Uganda moves toward the next electoral cycle.
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