The Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba has intensified political tensions after signaling possible further arrests targeting senior opposition leaders following the detention of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago on Monday.
He also indicated plans to influence parliamentary leadership, directly naming Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and former Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda.
In a series of remarks, Muhoozi said both Ssenyonyi and Ssemujju would “follow very soon,” suggesting they could be the next targets of security action.
He further stated that he was pushing for a change in parliamentary opposition leadership, saying: “I want a new Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. And I will get him. He will be endorsed by me.”
Muhoozi also claimed he had instructed the Patriotic League Uganda Patriotic League Uganda to explore mechanisms for removing Ssenyonyi from his position “as soon as possible,” signaling an organised political strategy alongside security operations.
Defending the arrest of Lukwago, he said critics were questioning his authority without justification.
“Those who ask me how I can arrest Lukwago and keep him in my basement? I answer that as CDF I have every right to arrest anyone especially members of the opposition,” he said.
He added that pressure on opposition figures would continue, warning: “I am going to continue to crush them until no one will remember who they were.”
The remarks have sparked heightened political debate in Uganda, with opposition supporters warning that the statements could further strain relations between security institutions and elected leaders.
Concerns have also been raised over the implications for democratic space and parliamentary independence.