The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has challenged President Yoweri Museveni to prove that his famous slogan of “Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo” and his call for officials to have “Kisanja no sleep” applies equally to members of his own family by taking decisive action against his son, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Ssenyonyi’s remarks come amid mounting public outrage following the arrest, detention and prosecution of veteran opposition lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, whose appearance in court this week shocked many Ugandans.
Lukwago, who is also the lead lawyer representing detained opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, appeared in Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court looking noticeably frail after several days in detention.His shaved head, visibly weakened appearance and reports that he had been held without immediate access to family members and lawyers ignited fierce debate across the country.
“START WITH MUHOOZI”
Speaking about the unfolding events, Ssenyonyi accused Gen. Muhoozi of repeatedly acting outside the law through controversial public statements and actions.
The Opposition leader argued that if President Museveni genuinely believes no public official should sleep on the job, then accountability must begin with his own son.”President Museveni keeps telling public officials that it is ‘Kisanja no sleep.’ If he truly believes in accountability, then he should begin with Gen. Muhoozi, who continues to flout the rule of law,” Ssenyonyi said.
According to the Leader of the Opposition, selective application of the law weakens public confidence in Uganda’s institutions.”When people see one individual appearing to operate above the law simply because of his family connections, it undermines the justice system,” he argued.
LUKWAGO’S ARREST RAISES QUESTIONS
Lukwago was arrested from his Wakaliga home by armed security personnel before being held at Kira Division Police Headquarters.For hours, neither his family nor his lawyers knew where he had been taken. The uncertainty surrounding his detention triggered widespread criticism from lawyers, civil society organisations and opposition politicians.
Journalists and supporters who gathered outside Kira Police Station hoping to see the detained lawyer were dispersed by police officers. Authorities later transferred Lukwago under tight security to Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court.
There, prosecutors charged him with misprision of treason, alleging that he failed to report knowledge of activities aimed at unlawfully overthrowing the government.The charge sheet also names Dr. Kizza Besigye, Frank Kihehere, Joel Wakayima and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulega among the accused persons.
COURTROOM IMAGES STUN THE COUNTRY
Perhaps nothing captured public attention more than photographs taken inside the courtroom.Lukwago appeared significantly thinner than many remembered. His head had been completely shaved, while his face showed signs of exhaustion after several days in detention.
Supporters immediately questioned what had happened during his custody. Adding to the emotional atmosphere was a touching moment when Lukwago quietly leaned toward his wife before proceedings began. The two shared a private conversation as she listened attentively while holding back emotion.The images quickly spread across social media, becoming symbols of the ongoing political tensions surrounding the case.
LAWYERS SEEK BAIL
Lukwago’s legal team, led by Medard Ssegona, immediately asked court to release their client on bail. The lawyers argued that Lukwago’s health had deteriorated and that continued detention posed a risk to his wellbeing.
They maintained that he would comply with court requirements if granted temporary freedom.The bail application has attracted enormous public interest, with supporters closely following every court development.
MUHOOZI’S ROLE UNDER SCRUTINY
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has in recent months become one of the country’s most controversial public figures due to his frequent political statements on social media.
Critics accuse him of making pronouncements that appear to influence or comment on ongoing legal and political matters. Ssenyonyi argued that such conduct raises serious constitutional questions.
“No one should be allowed to place themselves above the institutions of the country,” he said.He insisted that Uganda’s Constitution requires all citizens, regardless of rank or family background, to respect the rule of law.
PUBLIC REACTION GROWS
Ugandans have continued expressing mixed reactions online. Some accused the government of intimidating opposition leaders through criminal prosecutions.Others argued that all accused persons should be allowed to defend themselves in court without political interference.
Human rights activists have also demanded greater transparency regarding Lukwago’s treatment while in custody.Several organisations have called for investigations into allegations of mistreatment and urged authorities to uphold constitutional protections for detainees.
POLITICAL TEMPERATURE RISES
The Lukwago case has further heightened political tensions as Uganda edges closer to another electoral cycle.Opposition leaders argue that recent arrests targeting prominent government critics point to shrinking democratic space.
Government officials, however, maintain that all criminal investigations are conducted independently and that no individual is above the law.The competing narratives have intensified debate over the independence of security agencies and the judiciary.
A TEST FOR THE RULE OF LAW
For many observers, the controversy now extends beyond Lukwago himself. Legal analysts say the case has become a broader test of Uganda’s commitment to constitutionalism, equal treatment before the law and judicial independence.
Ssenyonyi insists that the President has an opportunity to demonstrate genuine leadership by ensuring accountability applies to everyone equally.”If the President believes in discipline and respect for the law, then those principles must apply consistently. Accountability cannot only be demanded from political opponents while others appear exempt,” the Opposition leader said.
As Lukwago awaits the court’s decision on his bail application, public attention remains fixed on both the legal proceedings and the wider political questions they have raised.
Whether the controversy subsides or grows into an even larger national debate may depend not only on the court’s decisions but also on how the country’s leaders respond to increasing calls for equal application of the rule of law.
Author Profile
- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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