Exiled activist and scholar Stella Nyanzi has launched a scathing attack on Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba following the arrest of opposition figure Erias Lukwago, intensifying debate over the role of the military in civilian affairs.
Lukwago was recently detained by security operatives and later charged with a treason-related offence, an incident that has drawn concern from legal experts and human rights defenders.
The situation escalated further after Muhoozi publicly claimed responsibility for the arrest and made controversial remarks on social media.
Reacting to the developments, Nyanzi issued a strongly worded statement condemning both the arrest and the broader pattern of what she described as state-backed repression.
“This brute cannot lead Uganda. This violence cannot be our norm. This dehumanisation cannot be ours,” she said, directly criticising Muhoozi’s conduct.
In her remarks, Nyanzi linked Lukwago’s arrest to previous incidents involving opposition figures and government critics, including Eddie Mutwe, Barbie Kyagulanyi, and exiled writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija.
All have previously alleged mistreatment by security agencies.
“What he is doing to Erias Lukwago, he did to Eddie Mutwe. And he did to Barbie Kyagulanyi. And he did to Kakwenza Rukirabashaija. And he will do to someone you love,” she stated.
Nyanzi also directed her criticism at President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, calling for restraint over the military leadership.
“Put a leash on your dog before we do. When you leave our presidency, take your rabid dog with you,” she added, in remarks likely to further inflame political tensions.
Her comments come amid growing scrutiny of Muhoozi’s online conduct, where he has repeatedly issued threats and taken credit for security operations, raising concerns about due process and the independence of civilian institutions.