National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has sharply criticised Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba over remarks linked to the alleged abduction and detention of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Lukwago was reportedly picked up by military personnel on Monday before being released on Wednesday, with reports indicating he was later held at Luzira.
The incident has triggered political debate in Uganda, with opposition figures questioning the role of security agencies in handling civilian matters.
In a statement, Bobi Wine condemned Gen Muhoozi’s conduct and comments, saying they reflect poorly on the leadership of the national army and the broader state of governance.
“Imagine a 52-year-old man with a 22-year-old daughter, presiding over the national army—an institution that is supposed to embody the highest standards of discipline,” Bobi Wine said. Instead, the UPDF is led by someone whose conduct insults the uniform he wears.”
He further argued that the situation speaks to what he described as deeper systemic decay within Uganda’s leadership, linking it to long-standing criticisms of President Yoweri Museveni’s administration.
“For all the pain that Museveni has inflicted on our people, history has punished him with a son whose behaviour exposes the decay at the very top,” he added.
Bobi Wine’s remarks come amid growing political tension between the opposition and the security establishment, with human rights activists also raising concerns over alleged abductions and detention of government critics.
The government has in the past defended security operations, insisting they are carried out within the law and are aimed at maintaining national security and stability.
However, opposition leaders continue to accuse security agencies of targeting political dissenters, a claim authorities have repeatedly dismissed.