Former Buikwe South Member of Parliament Dr. Bayiga Lulume has sharply criticised President Yoweri Museveni and his brother, Gen. Salim Saleh, following controversial remarks attributed to Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba over the detention of Kampala lawyer Erias Lukwago.
Lulume accused the top leadership of the Ugandan state of enabling what he described as a deepening culture of political intimidation, arguing that recent developments surrounding Lukwago’s arrest reflect direct involvement of the highest levels of power in security operations against critics and opposition-linked figures.
His comments come after Gen. Muhoozi reportedly made public statements on social media appearing to acknowledge his role in Lukwago’s detention and vowing to ensure the opposition lawyer remains in custody, remarks that have since triggered political backlash and renewed scrutiny of the military’s role in civilian arrests.
In a reaction, Lulume said the responsibility for the conduct of security agencies ultimately rests with President Museveni as commander-in-chief, while also implicating Gen. Salim Saleh, a senior military figure and influential presidential adviser, in what he termed a “systemic abuse of power.”
He argued that the arrest and continued detention of Lukwago cannot be separated from what he described as a wider pattern of politically motivated actions targeting government critics, warning that such developments are eroding public confidence in state institutions.
“The events surrounding Lukwago’s detention show a coordinated system where military power is increasingly being used in matters that should strictly remain under civilian law,” Lulume said in his remarks, adding that the situation reflects a breakdown in the rule of law.
Lukwago, a former Kampala Lord Mayor and prominent opposition lawyer, was reportedly taken from his home by armed personnel before being produced in court days later on charges linked to alleged offences associated with treason investigations.
He has denied any wrongdoing.
The circumstances of his arrest, including claims of incommunicado detention, have drawn condemnation from opposition leaders, legal bodies and human rights advocates who have questioned the legality and transparency of the operation.
Lulume’s latest criticism adds to growing political pressure on the Ugandan government, with opposition voices arguing that the case reflects increasing militarisation of civilian justice processes