Fear and uncertainty grow as concerns mount over Gen Muhoozi’s influence
Fear, uncertainty and growing anxiety are increasingly being expressed by sections of Uganda’s political opposition, civil society and even some members of the governing National Resistance Movement (NRM), amid concerns over the expanding influence of Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni.
Interviews conducted by The Observer with opposition politicians, civil society representatives and ruling party members suggest many are reluctant to speak publicly about the situation, with several citing fear of possible repercussions.
Of six senior opposition figures from three political parties contacted, only two agreed to speak on the record. Three senior civil society leaders and three senior NRM officials also declined to comment publicly.
One National Unity Platform (NUP) Member of Parliament, who requested anonymity, said recent developments had left many opposition politicians worried.
“I want to tell you the truth, we are really scared. At first, we thought this guy was joking, but everything he said he was going to do, he has actually done. So, he is not bluffing.”
A former NUP legislator, also speaking anonymously, said perceptions had shifted significantly in recent months.
“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. We are living through very dangerous times.”
Another senior NUP official said the situation had become so concerning that he had begun contemplating leaving Uganda.
“Frankly, I never thought I would ever consider going into exile, but there isn’t a day that passes without me thinking about it. You either allow yourself to be arrested and locked away in prison for years, stay quiet about what’s happening, or go into exile. For now, those seem to be our only options. We are in a very precarious situation.”
Concerns intensified following the reported abduction of former minister and women’s rights activist Miria Matembe, as well as the suspension of Nation Media Group outlets, including NTV, KFM, Dembe FM and the Daily Monitor.
Gen Muhoozi had earlier threatened action against the media organisations after they published reports questioning the legality of some of his actions. The reports followed the alleged abduction and subsequent charging of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
A prominent civil society leader, who declined to be named, said Gen Muhoozi’s threats were being taken seriously.
“He’s not bluffing when he says, ‘I’m coming for you.’ I still have children to look after, my friend. I don’t want to comment on Muhoozi’s issues.”
A senior NRM member, also speaking anonymously, said the prevailing atmosphere was affecting how people communicated publicly.
“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.”
The official added that many were puzzled by President Museveni’s silence.
“The man is assigning ministers PLU numbers. He led the onslaught against the powerful former speaker of parliament, Anita Among. He installed his preferred choice as speaker. The President has said nothing. It’s difficult to believe he doesn’t know what’s going on. Before you say anything publicly, you first think about the consequences.”
Among those willing to comment publicly were National Unity Platform Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Secretary General Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda.
Ssemujju, who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah, argued that Gen Muhoozi appeared convinced he could exercise authority without facing significant consequences.
“Muhoozi appears to have concluded that it is possible to rule with an iron fist without consequences. The international community is consumed by its own crises, Trump, the war in Ukraine, Iran and Gaza. There will be no meaningful pressure from outside. You can terrorise the population and subdue it.”
He added:
“With a frightened population and an unbothered international community, his father can calmly hand over power. I think Museveni is testing his son’s ability to hold power.”
Ssemujju also noted that Gen Muhoozi had previously threatened to detain him in what he described as his “basement.”
Rubongoya said the situation had evolved beyond party politics.
“He first arrested our people—Eddie Mutwe, Waiswa Mufumbiro and many others. Then came the arrests of Dr Besigye, Erias Lukwago and now Miria Matembe. Now he has moved against Nation Media. The country must understand that we are living through unprecedented times. We must come together and find a solution. This is no longer an NUP or opposition issue. It is a Ugandan issue that requires a collective response.”
Meanwhile, several criminal cases involving opposition figures remain active.
Within the NUP, one case concerns alleged unauthorised military training, under which deputy spokesperson Waiswa Mufumbiro has been charged. Another involves aggravated robbery charges against Eddie Mutwe, the personal bodyguard of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, and others.
The PFF also continues to face an ongoing treason and misprision of treason case involving Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale. Former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was charged under the same case file last week.
