Uganda’s political climate has again come under sharp regional scrutiny after Kenyan journalist Gordon Opiyo reacted to remarks attributed to Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who defended the arrest of opposition figures and insisted he has wide authority over detentions involving political opponents.
In his reaction, Opiyo said the situation in Uganda had taken a troubling direction, pointing to the arrest of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and earlier incidents involving opposition-aligned legal teams.
He also referenced opposition veteran Kizza Besigye, alleging that one of his lawyers was arrested and held under harsh conditions before being detained for a prolonged period.
The debate has been fueled further by a statement attributed to Muhoozi in which he defended his actions and issued a warning to critics.
“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. I am going to continue to crush them until no one will remember who they were,” the statement reads.
Opiyo said the remarks reflect a worrying trend in Uganda’s political environment, arguing that the tone being adopted by senior security officials risks deepening public anxiety and eroding trust in state institutions.
“Ugandan Military Chief Muhoozi has again gone ballistic, and promised to arrest anyone he wants,” Opiyo said. “He ordered the arrest of Besigye’s lawyer and former Kampala Mayor and after torturing him—the guy is still in prison. Whatever is happening in Uganda is no longer funny.”
The comments come amid heightened political tension in Uganda, where security operations and the treatment of opposition figures remain under intense scrutiny.
Muhoozi’s recent public statements have drawn criticism from legal experts and civil society groups who argue that such remarks blur the line between military authority and civilian governance.
Human rights organisations have continued to raise concerns over alleged abductions, prolonged detention without trial, and reports of mistreatment of political activists.