The reported abduction of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has triggered fresh political tensions in Uganda, drawing sharp reactions from public figures and raising concerns about the country’s governance trajectory.
Media personality Mordecai Muriisa has weighed in on the unfolding events, describing the incident as one of the most disturbing moments in Uganda’s recent political history.
His remarks come amid widespread debate following the circulation of images allegedly showing Lukwago in distress after being seized by security operatives.
“Uganda has witnessed many shocking moments over the years, but what happened after the abduction of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has left even seasoned observers stunned,” Muriisa said.
According to Muriisa, the situation escalated further after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly commented on the operation through social media posts.
The general’s remarks, coupled with the release of the images, intensified public anxiety and criticism, with many questioning the implications of such actions by a senior military figure.
“After security operatives seized Lukwago, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba appeared to revel in the ordeal, posting about it on social media and later sharing images of a visibly distressed Lukwago,” he added.
“The images sent shockwaves across social media. For many Ugandans, the sight of an abducted political figure being displayed online by one of the country’s most powerful men represented a disturbing new chapter in Uganda’s politics.”
Amid the backlash, former Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda emerged as a prominent voice responding to the developments. Muriisa highlighted Ssemujju’s reaction as notably defiant, pointing to his acknowledgment of the risks faced by government critics.
“Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, himself previously threatened, responded with remarkable defiance. He said he has no illusions about what could happen if he were abducted. He knows torture brings pain. He knows detention brings suffering. He knows death itself remains a possibility,” Muriisa noted.
Despite these risks, Ssemujju maintained that such threats would not weaken his resolve, a stance that has resonated with sections of the public.
“In a response that has since resonated with many Ugandans, Ssemujju reminded his tormentors of a simple truth that no amount of power can escape: every ruler, every general, every oppressor, and every victim eventually meets the same fate. Time defeats everyone,” he said.