Gen. Muhoozi Must Retire Army to Join Politics - Opposition Leader

Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Parliament, has publicly urged that Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba must relinquish his position in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) if he wishes to engage in partisan politics. Ssenyonyi’s remarks come in the wake of the recent arrest of former Kampala Mayor, Elias Lukwago, an incident he described as an abduction by individuals in military attire.

Ssenyonyi voiced significant worry over the implications of such actions, suggesting that they endanger government critics and opposition figures. He asserted that Gen. Kainerugaba’s alleged pattern of abducting and mistreating Ugandans creates an atmosphere of insecurity for all citizens.

Speaking to journalists and several Members of Parliament, Ssenyonyi emphasized the critical role of institutions responsible for upholding the rule of law. He called upon these bodies to intervene and ensure the protection of all Ugandans, regardless of their political affiliations.

“I have observed leaders, including Members of Parliament, who offer praise even when he flagrantly disregards the law. I hope these leaders, MPs and ministers, will awaken and counsel him against such illegal behaviour,” Ssenyonyi stated.

The LoP also highlighted a history of arrests and disappearances of politicians, activists, and religious leaders under unclear circumstances. He noted that while some missing individuals are eventually released and charged, others remain unaccounted for, leading to calls for greater institutional accountability.

Ssenyonyi criticized what he termed a sycophantic tendency among some public officials and entities seeking Gen. Kainerugaba’s favour. “Some are clearly seeking his attention, endorsing all his questionable actions, but what guarantee do they have for their own safety?” he questioned, adding that this disregard for the law makes everyone, including ruling party members and even other generals, vulnerable.

The opposition figure also placed some responsibility on President Museveni for not addressing the escalating concerns regarding his son’s conduct. Ssenyonyi reiterated that if Gen. Muhoozi seeks to enter the political arena, he must first step down from his military command to operate on a level political playing field.

This statement was reported by the Daily Monitor.