news 11 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Gen. Muhoozi Gets One Week to Respond to Besigye's Death Threat Lawsuit
The High Court in Kampala has ordered Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to file a defense within seven days in response to allegations of death threats and prejudicial public statements made against opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/gen-muhoozi-given-one-week-to-file-defence-in-besigye-death-threats-case-5493046
The High Court’s Criminal Division has set a strict deadline for top military and government officials to respond to a lawsuit filed by Dr. Kizza Besigye. Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, alongside the Attorney General, Colonel Peter Ahibisibwe, and Lieutenant Colonel Ephraim Byaruhanga, have been given one week to file their defense.
Justice Emmanuel Baguma issued the directive on Thursday, with the respondents expected to submit their reply by June 18. The case, initiated by Dr. Besigye and co-applicant Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, centers on accusations that Gen. Muhoozi has repeatedly used his social media platform to issue death threats and make public statements that Dr. Besigye claims prejudice his ongoing treason-related trial.
Dr. Besigye’s application details several alleged social media posts, including one from January 2025 stating an intention to “hang KB on Heroes’ Day” and another from February 2026 declaring him a “dead man walking.” The opposition leader argues that these pronouncements from a high-ranking military official violate his constitutional rights to a fair hearing and an independent trial.
The lawsuit also touches upon the circumstances of Dr. Besigye’s alleged abduction from Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024, alongside Mr. Lutale. The applicants contend they were transferred to Uganda without proper extradition procedures and subsequently detained at Makindye Military Barracks, denied legal counsel, and subjected to rights violations.
Dr. Besigye is seeking declarations that Gen. Muhoozi’s statements contravened his constitutional freedoms and that the charges against him are inconsistent with fair trial principles. The court has set June 30 for the hearing of the application, with any rejoinders from Dr. Besigye’s legal team due by June 25.
This case stems from treason charges Dr. Besigye and Mr. Lutale are currently facing before the High Court. The respondents have yet to formally respond to the detailed allegations presented in court.