Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe has launched one of her strongest attacks yet on Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, accusing him of operating above the law and turning Uganda into a country where citizens increasingly live in fear.
Speaking in a video that has gone viral on social media following the arrest and remand of opposition leader and lawyer Erias Lukwago, Matembe questioned why Muhoozi continues to make controversial statements, issue public threats and comment on the detention of political opponents without facing any legal consequences.
“Museveni’s son has become like God, for what? Saying Lukwago has wet himself I don’t know how many times… He eats, speaks whatever he speaks… no one arrests him, no one imprisons him, the whole country fears him,” Matembe said.
Her remarks come days after Lukwago was arrested by heavily armed security operatives after attempting to serve court papers on Muhoozi over alleged human rights violations.
Muhoozi later posted on social media confirming Lukwago’s detention and shared photographs appearing to show the veteran opposition politician blindfolded while in military custody. The images triggered widespread condemnation from lawyers, opposition politicians and human rights organisations, who argued that they undermined constitutional protections and the dignity of detainees.
“WHO GAVE HIM THESE POWERS?”
An emotional Matembe questioned how one military officer had acquired such enormous influence over Uganda’s political and judicial institutions.
She wondered why agencies that routinely arrest opposition supporters, activists and government critics appear unwilling to investigate or prosecute Muhoozi despite his repeated controversial public statements.
According to Matembe, Uganda has reached a dangerous point where many citizens fear speaking openly because of possible repercussions.
“The whole country fears him,” she said. She argued that the apparent inability—or unwillingness—of state institutions to hold the CDF accountable has steadily eroded public confidence in the rule of law.”No citizen should be above Uganda’s laws,” she insisted.
LUKWAGO’S ARREST SPARKS NATIONAL OUTRAGE
Matembe’s remarks add to growing criticism over the treatment of Lukwago, one of President Yoweri Museveni’s longest-serving political opponents and among Uganda’s best-known constitutional lawyers.
Lukwago was seized by security personnel after pursuing legal action against Muhoozi. Following several days of incommunicado detention, he was eventually produced before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court, charged with treason-related offences and remanded to Luzira Prison.
His arrest has prompted condemnation from the Uganda Law Society, opposition leaders and civil society organisations, many describing the incident as an attack on the legal profession, constitutionalism and judicial independence.
During her interview, Matembe argued that Lukwago’s treatment symbolises a much broader erosion of constitutional protections in Uganda.
OPPOSITION CLOSES RANKS
The controversy surrounding Lukwago’s detention has united Uganda’s major opposition parties.
Leaders from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Democratic Party (DP), People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) gathered at the PFF headquarters in Katonga, Kampala, where they jointly condemned what they described as escalating torture, arbitrary arrests and shrinking civic space.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya described recent developments as “very unfortunate,” saying the manner in which Lukwago was abducted was intended to intimidate Ugandans into silence.”The circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s abduction are very unfortunate,” Rubongoya said.
He argued that such actions are designed to instill fear among citizens and discourage those who challenge those in power from exercising their constitutional rights.
ALICE ALASO QUESTIONS THE CHAIN OF COMMAND
ANT Secretary General Alice Alaso questioned who is truly in charge of Uganda’s security apparatus.
Speaking during the joint opposition engagement, Alaso challenged President Museveni to clarify whether he remains fully in command of the country’s security agencies or whether authority has effectively shifted elsewhere.”If President Museveni is still the Commander-in-Chief, then he should call the Chief of Defence Forces to order,” Alaso said.
She argued that the Head of State has both the constitutional authority and responsibility to ensure discipline within the armed forces, adding that the President’s silence over Muhoozi’s repeated controversial conduct only raises more questions.Her remarks have added fresh political pressure on the government as opposition parties increasingly question the military’s growing involvement in civilian political affairs.
“UGANDA DESERVES BETTER”
UPC president Jimmy Akena also condemned the treatment of Lukwago, saying no Ugandan should ever be subjected to degrading treatment regardless of political affiliation.
“Uganda deserves better,” Akena declared. He criticised what he described as the public glorification of torture and warned that celebrating the humiliation of political opponents weakens the country’s democratic foundations.Akena called for respect for the rule of law and urged political restraint.
Reflecting on his own entry into active politics, he revealed that he had instructed members of his family never to seek revenge regardless of the hardships they might encounter because of his political career.His remarks appeared to be an appeal for reconciliation and peaceful political competition despite increasing political tensions.
“THE COUNTRY FEARS HIM”
Perhaps the most striking part of Matembe’s interview was her assertion that Muhoozi has become politically untouchable.
She contrasted the swift arrests of ordinary Ugandans over social media posts with what she described as the complete absence of accountability whenever Muhoozi issues controversial public statements. “The whole country fears him,” she repeated.Her remarks echo growing concerns among opposition politicians and governance activists who argue that Uganda’s institutions have become increasingly reluctant to challenge members of the First Family.
A LONG-TIME CRITIC OF MUSEVENI
Matembe is no stranger to political confrontation. A former insider within President Museveni’s government, she served as Uganda’s first Minister of Ethics and Integrity before falling out with the ruling National Resistance Movement over constitutional amendments, including the removal of presidential term limits.
Since leaving government, she has become one of Museveni’s most outspoken critics, consistently accusing the administration of weakening democratic institutions, constitutionalism and the rule of law.Her latest comments continue that long-running criticism, this time focusing squarely on the President’s son.
GROWING CONTROVERSY AROUND MUHOOZI
Muhoozi has repeatedly attracted national attention through provocative social media posts targeting opposition politicians, activists and critics of government.His recent comments regarding Lukwago have reignited debate over the military’s role in civilian politics and the limits of executive power.
Human rights organisations argue that publicly celebrating the detention or humiliation of political opponents damages Uganda’s democratic credentials and raises serious concerns about due process, constitutional rights and the independence of state institutions.Government supporters, however, have often defended Muhoozi’s online statements as personal political opinions rather than official government policy.
DEBATE OVER ACCOUNTABILITY
Matembe’s remarks are expected to intensify the national debate over accountability, freedom of expression and the rule of law.
Together with statements from Rubongoya, Alaso and Akena, they reflect growing concern among opposition leaders over what they describe as the concentration of power within the First Family and the expanding influence of the military in civilian political affairs.
As Lukwago remains in Luzira Prison awaiting further court proceedings, the controversy surrounding his arrest continues to generate political pressure on the government.
For Matembe, the issue goes beyond one individual or one court case.Her message was unequivocal: no person—regardless of military rank, political office or family connection—should stand above Uganda’s Constitution or the 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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