Politics 22 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Gen. Muhoozi Seeks Dismissal of Besigye's 'Death Threats' Lawsuit
Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has formally requested the High Court to dismiss opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye's application, which accuses him of issuing public death threats and making prejudicial statements impacting Besigye's right to a fair trial. Muhoozi's legal team argues Besigye's claims are speculative and based on hearsay. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/muhoozi-asks-high-court-to-dismiss-besigye-s-death-threats-case-5505468
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is urging the High Court in Kampala to reject an application filed by opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye. Dr. Besigye, who is currently on remand facing treason-related charges, alleges that Gen. Muhoozi made public statements threatening his life and prejudicing his ongoing trial.
In an affidavit sworn by Lt Col Daniel Atwiine, head of the Special Investigations Bureau of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), on behalf of Gen. Muhoozi and two other UPDF officers named as respondents, the allegations are described as “misconceived, speculative and founded on hearsay.” Lt Col Atwiine asserts that the application should be dismissed with costs.
Dr. Besigye’s petition to the High Court cites several alleged social media posts by Gen. Muhoozi, including one from January 2025 stating, “We will hang KB on Heroes’ Day. That’s the best day for him to die.” Another post from February 2026 reportedly said, “Besigye wanted to kill Mzee, so as far as we are concerned, UPDF, he is a dead man walking.”
The application further argues that such public pronouncements create pressure on the judiciary and compromise the right to an independent and impartial hearing. Dr. Besigye is seeking declarations that these statements, along with the treason and misprision of treason charges against him, violate his constitutional rights and are inconsistent with fair trial principles.
Lt Col Atwiine’s response refutes claims of unlawful abduction from Nairobi, Kenya, stating intelligence reports indicated the applicants were involved in activities threatening national security, including coordinating to overthrow the government. He also denies allegations of involvement in the transfer of Dr. Besigye and co-applicant Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya from Kenya to Uganda without extradition proceedings.
The case is scheduled for hearing on June 30, with Justice Emmanuel Baguma having directed the respondents to file their responses within one week. Dr. Besigye is seeking the nullification of the criminal proceedings against him, compensation for torture treatment, unconditional release, and costs of the application.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)