UPC party president Jimmy Akena has sharply criticised Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba over his public remarks and social media posts linked to the alleged abduction and detention of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Akena questioned both the legality and professionalism of the reported conduct, arguing that the office of the CDF carries institutional responsibility that must not be reduced to personal expression or political messaging.
“I will fight for the right of Muhoozi to speak his nonsense. But not with that office. I will fight for freedom of speech. But the office of CDF is an office belonging to the people of Uganda,” Akena said.
He added that the military leadership is mandated to serve all citizens impartially and cannot operate on personal discretion or political sentiment.
“It cannot relate authority. It is not an individual decision. That authority is supposed to work to protect every citizen of Uganda, and every person lawfully living in Uganda,” he stated.
Akena further raised concern over reports that Lukwago was allegedly taken into custody incommunicado, while claims circulated online that senior military officials were publicly referencing the detention.
“So how does a leader of a political party get taken incommunicado, then post pictures? No,” he added.
The UPC leader’s remarks come amid growing political tension over Lukwago’s arrest, which opposition figures and human rights defenders have described as unlawful and humiliating.
The incident has sparked debate over the conduct of security agencies and the increasing visibility of military leadership in political and civic disputes.
Gen. Muhoozi has faced sustained criticism over his social media activity, which has previously drawn accusations of undermining institutional restraint and blurring the line between official military duties and personal political expression.