A new twist has emerged in the politically charged prosecution of opposition stalwart Dr. Kizza Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago after Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, commonly known as Gen. Salim Saleh, directed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to formally brief the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, over growing public concerns surrounding the case.
The intervention by the retired general, who serves as Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and is President Yoweri Museveni’s younger brother, comes at a time of heightened political tension following Gen. Muhoozi’s recent public statements about Besigye and Lukwago, as well as the controversial closure of Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda outlets.
In a letter titled “The Lukwago Issue,” Gen. Saleh emphasized the need for the government to properly communicate with the public regarding the prosecution of Besigye and Lukwago.
SALEH WANTS MAO BRIEFED
According to the letter, Gen. Saleh instructed Gen. Muhoozi to urgently brief Justice Minister Norbert Mao on developments surrounding the case involving Besigye and Lukwago.
Saleh argued that as the political head of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mao has a constitutional responsibility to keep Ugandans informed about matters of national importance, particularly one that has generated widespread debate both locally and internationally.
He noted that the minister should be equipped with accurate information to address questions raised by citizens and provide government’s official position on the ongoing legal proceedings.The directive is widely seen as an attempt to streamline government communication on a matter that has attracted intense scrutiny.
COURT APPEARANCE LOOMS
Saleh’s intervention comes just hours before Besigye and his lawyer, Erias Lukwago, are expected to appear in court where they face treason-related charges.The prosecution alleges that the duo was involved in activities aimed at undermining the government, accusations that they have consistently denied.
The case has become one of Uganda’s most politically sensitive legal battles, drawing attention from political leaders, civil society organisations and international observers.Gen. Muhoozi has previously made controversial public remarks suggesting that Besigye and Lukwago should face the death penalty over allegations that they plotted to assassinate President Museveni.
His comments have sparked debate over whether they could influence public perception of an ongoing judicial process.
CALLS FOR POLITICAL RESTRAINT
Accompanying Saleh’s directive was advice urging Justice Minister Norbert Mao to seek an audience with President Museveni to discuss what was described as the need to “tame” Gen. Muhoozi regarding his public statements on Besigye and Lukwago.
The recommendation suggests concerns within sections of the political establishment that the CDF’s outspoken commentary on active court cases could further inflame political tensions.Although neither State House nor the Ministry of Justice had publicly commented on the proposal by press time, the development adds another layer to an already complex political environment.
DEBATE OVER MEDIA CLOSURE CONTINUES
The developments unfolded as debate continued over the recent closure of Nation Media Group Uganda operations, including NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor, KFM, Dembe FM and Spark TV.Former government spokesman Ofwono Opondo has publicly questioned the legal basis upon which the media houses were shut down.
Opondo asked whether the closure was ordered by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government or by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a political movement associated with Gen. Muhoozi.He further questioned where PLU derives the authority to make decisions affecting national governance.
“The question is who closed NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor?” Opondo asked, arguing that even if a media organisation is accused of bias, media bias alone is not a criminal offence warranting closure.His remarks have reignited debate over media freedom, constitutional governance and the separation of powers.
PLU RESPONDS
Responding to Opondo’s concerns, newly appointed PLU chairman Daudi Kabanda dismissed the criticism and declared that the Patriotic League of Uganda is firmly in control.
Kabanda reportedly told Opondo to “settle down,” suggesting that PLU’s growing political influence should not surprise observers.The exchange has fuelled speculation over the evolving relationship between the ruling establishment and the rapidly expanding political movement led by Gen. Muhoozi.
Political analysts say the public disagreement between senior figures associated with government reflects emerging differences over how state power should be exercised, particularly in politically sensitive matters.
SALEH’S INTERVENTION RAISES QUESTIONS
Gen. Saleh’s latest intervention has been interpreted in different ways by political observers. Some view it as an effort to ensure that government institutions maintain a coordinated communication strategy during a period of heightened political tension.
Others see it as an indication that influential figures within the ruling establishment are seeking to moderate public messaging surrounding the prosecution of opposition leaders.The timing of the letter, coming just before Besigye and Lukwago’s scheduled court appearance, is likely to attract significant public attention.
It also underscores the prominence the case has assumed within Uganda’s political landscape.
FOCUS TURNS TO COURT
Attention now shifts to tomorrow’s court proceedings, where prosecutors are expected to outline their case against Besigye and Lukwago.The hearing is anticipated to draw lawyers, politicians, diplomats and members of the public eager to follow one of the country’s most closely watched legal battles.
Meanwhile, observers will also be watching whether Justice Minister Norbert Mao responds to Gen. Saleh’s call for greater public communication and whether the government adopts a more coordinated approach in addressing the growing controversy surrounding both the prosecution of opposition figures and the recent closure of major independent media outlets.
With political tensions continuing to rise, the coming days are expected to test not only Uganda’s justice system but also the government’s ability to reassure the public that constitutional processes remain at the centre of handling politically sensitive cases.
By recommending a briefing to Minister Mao, the letter effectively calls for greater institutional alignment in handling politically sensitive prosecutions.
POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS
The emergence of the letter is likely to intensify ongoing political debate over the role of security institutions in civilian legal matters, and the extent to which military leadership should comment on active court cases.
It also raises questions about the internal coordination mechanisms within government, especially in cases where national security considerations intersect with constitutional rights and judicial independence.Analysts say the letter reflects broader tensions within Uganda’s governance structure regarding communication discipline, institutional authority, and the handling of politically charged prosecutions.
WAITING FOR OFFICIAL RESPONSE
As of press time, there has been no official public response from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs or the Office of the Chief of Defence Forces regarding the contents of the letter.
The court proceedings involving Besigye and Lukwago are expected to proceed as scheduled, with heightened attention from political actors, legal observers, and members of the public.The unfolding developments are likely to keep the spotlight on the relationship between Uganda’s security leadership, the justice system, and political governance in the days ahead.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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