Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has strongly defended recent security operations targeting opposition-linked figures, issuing a combative statement on X in which he dismissed allegations of human rights abuses and directly criticised former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
His remarks come amid growing political controversy over reported detentions and alleged security operations involving opposition figures, which have sparked criticism from rights groups and opposition leaders demanding accountability and transparency.
In his post, Muhoozi took direct aim at Lukwago, writing:
“Lukwago committed the ultimate crime. Accusing me of violating human rights when I am the biggest defender of human rights in Uganda. When I was fighting Joseph Kony in Northern Uganda he was doing nothing apart from impregnating women in Kampala.”
He further defended the security operations carried out in recent days, framing them as necessary for national stability and rejecting claims of political targeting.
“Our operations against the Opposition last week are a reassurance to the great Ugandan people by the Security Forces that Uganda will NEVER be led or controlled by a foreign-sponsored political organisation!”
The statements have intensified debate over the role of the military in Uganda’s internal political and security affairs, particularly at a time when opposition figures claim that Lukwago was taken from his home last week by armed men believed to be security operatives.
Reports from opposition sources and legal representatives allege that he was held in an undisclosed location before being released, though official confirmation of the circumstances surrounding his detention has not been provided.
Human rights advocates have raised concern over what they describe as patterns of enforced disappearances and lack of due process in politically sensitive arrests.
They argue that the involvement of security forces in civilian matters risks undermining constitutional safeguards and legal protections.