Gen. Muhoozi Given Seven Days to Respond to Besigye's 'Hanging Threat' Case

The High Court of Uganda has issued a stringent deadline for Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to present his defense. He has just seven days to respond to an application filed by incarcerated opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Dr. Besigye’s legal team accuses Gen. Muhoozi of issuing a series of public statements, primarily on the social media platform X, which are alleged to constitute direct threats to Besigye’s life and undermine his fundamental right to a fair trial. These statements, according to the application, amount to pre-judging guilt and threatening extrajudicial punishment.

Among the controversial posts cited is one from January 16, 2025, allegedly stating, “We will hang KB on Heroes’ Day. That’s the best day for him to die.” Another from February 19, 2026, reportedly read, “Besigye wanted to kill Mzee, so as far as we are concerned, UPDF, he is a dead man walking.”

The application also references statements implying Besigye would only leave prison in a coffin or after apologizing to President Yoweri Museveni, and that he would be subjected to “the full extent of martial law.” The defense argues these pronouncements by a high-ranking military official put undue pressure on the judiciary and violate the constitutional presumption of innocence.

This development comes amidst significant delays in Besigye’s treason case. The trial, initially scheduled to commence, was adjourned after Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale, refused to appear in court, citing unresolved issues with their legal representation and alleged bias from the presiding judge.

Col. Peter Ahimbisibwe, Lt. Col. Ephraim Byaruhanga, and the Attorney General are also named as respondents in Besigye’s application. The court has ordered all respondents to file their responses by June 18, 2026, with rejoinders due by June 25. The application is scheduled to be heard on June 30.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)