A speech delivered years ago by veteran bush war fighter and Cabinet Minister Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has resurfaced with renewed political significance following the arrest and detention of former Kampala Lord Mayor and senior lawyer Erias Lukwago, one of the distinguished guests who listened attentively as the minister warned Uganda against abandoning the rule of law.
Speaking at a legal symposium organised by the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Otafiire issued what many now describe as a prophetic warning, cautioning that no nation can survive if the law is selectively applied or if citizens lose confidence in institutions established to protect justice.
Ironically, seated in the audience during that workshop were then Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Lukwago, now one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figures whose recent arrest has reignited debate over constitutionalism and the shrinking democratic space. The coincidence has not been lost on political observers.
“WITHOUT LAW, SOCIETY DESCENDS INTO CHAOS”
Addressing Uganda’s legal fraternity, Otafiire passionately defended the supremacy of the Constitution, arguing that the law should remain the ultimate referee in society regardless of one’s political office, military rank or social standing.The veteran minister reminded lawyers that civilization itself depends upon respect for legal institutions and warned that once leaders begin acting outside established laws, the country risks descending into disorder.
Participants at the workshop say Otafiire urged lawyers to remain vigilant defenders of justice because the collapse of the legal system would eventually affect everyone, including those who initially benefit from abuses of power.
His message was directed not only at advocates but also at leaders entrusted with exercising state authority.
LUKWAGO’S PRESENCE ADDS NEW MEANING
At the time, few could have imagined that one of the listeners in the audience would later become central to the very debate Otafiire was raising.
Erias Lukwago, already one of Uganda’s most outspoken constitutional lawyers and opposition politicians, listened alongside fellow members of the legal fraternity as discussions centred on constitutional governance, accountability and the administration of justice.
A year later, Lukwago has repeatedly found himself confronting security agencies while representing opposition figures or participating in political activities.His latest arrest has revived memories of Otafiire’s speech, with many asking whether the veteran minister’s warnings are now unfolding before the country’s eyes.
ATTORNEY GENERAL ALSO HEARD THE MESSAGE
Also present during the Uganda Law Society engagement was then Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka.As government’s chief legal adviser, Kiryowa occupied a unique position during the discussions on constitutional governance and the rule of law.
Political commentators note that the gathering brought together leading legal minds from across Uganda, creating a rare forum where senior government officials, opposition lawyers and private practitioners discussed the importance of protecting legal institutions.
OTAFIIRE’S WORDS MEET TODAY’S REALITY
Fast forward to today, and Uganda finds itself gripped by heated debates over arrests, prolonged detentions, military involvement in civilian matters and the increasingly toxic political environment.
Recent operations involving opposition leaders, activists and lawyers have drawn criticism from human rights organisations, sections of civil society and legal practitioners.Supporters of government insist security agencies are merely enforcing the law and safeguarding national stability. Critics argue that enforcement increasingly appears selective.
Against that backdrop, Otafiire’s earlier appeal for strict adherence to constitutional principles has acquired renewed relevance.
PUBLIC CLASH WITH MUHOOZI
The renewed interest in Otafiire’s speech also comes amid his increasingly public disagreements with Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.In recent months, the two generals have appeared to differ publicly over governance, political discourse and the conduct of public affairs.
Muhoozi’s frequent posts on X have targeted opposition politicians, critics and occasionally fellow government officials.
Otafiire has, at various times, responded by emphasising institutional governance, constitutional order and the importance of lawful conduct.Although both men remain senior members of the ruling establishment, their contrasting public messaging has fuelled speculation about broader debates within the National Resistance Movement.
MUHOOZI’S ONLINE BRIGADE FIRES BACK
Whenever Otafiire expresses views perceived as sympathetic to constitutional restraint, an army of Muhoozi loyalists often mobilises online.
The exchanges have become increasingly personal, with social media platforms turning into political battlefields where competing narratives dominate public discussion. Supporters of Muhoozi portray him as a fearless patriot confronting enemies of Uganda.
Supporters of Otafiire describe the veteran minister as one of the few historical leaders willing to publicly defend institutional integrity regardless of political consequences.
The exchanges have further exposed ideological tensions over governance, succession and the future direction of the ruling movement.
CIVIL SOCIETY FINDS AN UNLIKELY ALLY
Interestingly, many of the concerns Otafiire raised before the Uganda Law Society closely mirror arguments long advanced by civil society organisations.
Lawyers, academics and governance experts have consistently argued that respect for due process strengthens rather than weakens government authority.
Some analysts believe Otafiire’s standing as one of the architects of the NRM revolution gives his observations greater political significance because they originate from within government rather than from opposition circles.
LESSONS FOR UGANDA
Political observers argue that Otafiire’s address should not simply be remembered as another conference speech.
Instead, they view it as an enduring reminder that stable societies are built upon predictable institutions rather than personalities.
The presence of Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Erias Lukwago at that workshop now provides a striking historical snapshot. One represented government’s chief legal office.
The other would later become one of government’s fiercest legal challengers.Between them stood Otafiire, urging all sides to place the Constitution above politics.
A WARNING THAT REFUSES TO FADE
As Uganda continues navigating a politically charged environment marked by arrests, social media confrontations and growing public debate over governance, Otafiire’s words continue to resonate. Whether leaders across the political divide heed that warning remains uncertain.
But as lawyers, politicians and ordinary citizens reflect on the country’s trajectory, the veteran general’s message appears more relevant today than when he first delivered it before Uganda’s legal fraternity.History, many observers say, may yet judge whether Uganda listened to one of its oldest revolutionaries before the warning became reality.
By Staff Writer
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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