Gen. Muhoozi's Power Displays Spark Fear and Uncertainty Across Ugandan Opposition

A palpable sense of fear, unease, and even resignation has settled over Uganda’s political opposition and segments of civil society. This mood is attributed to what many perceive as an increasingly overt display of power by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Sources within the opposition, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed significant apprehension. “We are really scared,” admitted one National Unity Platform (NUP) Member of Parliament. “Everything he said he was going to do, he has actually done. So, he is not bluffing.”

Another former NUP legislator voiced a sentiment of disillusionment, suggesting a preference for the previous political era. “I never thought there would come a time when I would look at Museveni positively. But now I think we were better off with Museveni than with his son. At least Museveni would do bad things and deny them. This one breaks the law and is happy to tweet about it.”

The concern intensified following reported abductions of figures like former minister Miria Matembe and the closure of Nation Media Group outlets, including NTV and the Daily Monitor, after they reported on Gen. Muhoozi’s conduct. He had previously threatened these outlets for questioning the legality of his actions.

Even within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), a senior member acknowledged the chilling effect. “Muhoozi has already achieved what he wanted. Even when I want to post something on X, I read it several times to make sure it won’t get me into trouble. You write as you delete. This is unprecedented.”

David Lewis Rubongoya, Secretary General of the NUP, emphasized the escalating nature of the situation, noting arrests of opposition members and now media houses. “This is no longer an NUP or opposition issue. It is a Ugandan issue that requires a collective response.”

Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Secretary General of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), suggested that Gen. Muhoozi might be testing his ability to govern with an iron fist, potentially with his father’s tacit approval, amid a distracted international community.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/muhoozi-arrests-stir-fear-panic