Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has strongly criticized the conduct of Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, raising concerns over what he described as growing disregard for the rule of law in Uganda.
Speaking to journalists and lawmakers at Parliament, Ssenyonyi condemned the recent arrest of former Kampala Lord Mayor and lawyer Erias Lukwago, who is also the President of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF).
Ssenyonyi described the circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s detention, reportedly carried out by men in military uniform, as alarming and troubling, saying they have intensified fears over the safety of opposition figures and government critics.
“Everyone is unsafe with Muhoozi’s behaviour of abducting and torturing Ugandans at will,” Ssenyonyi said.
The opposition leader also pointed to what he described as a pattern of arrests and disappearances involving politicians, civic activists, and religious leaders under unclear circumstances.
He called upon state institutions mandated to uphold the rule of law to act decisively in protecting all Ugandans and ensuring accountability.
Ssenyonyi further criticized what he described as a growing trend among some public officials and institutions seeking the attention or approval of the military chief, sarcastically referring to it as “saluting all his garbage.”
He questioned the safety of those engaging in such behavior, asking:
“What guarantee do you have that you’re safe?”
His remarks come amid ongoing debates about military involvement in civilian affairs and the protection of political freedoms in Uganda. Ssenyonyi urged leaders, including Members of Parliament and ministers who have praised the military chief despite allegations of unlawful conduct, to wake up and speak out against such actions.