Former government spokesman and Elder MP Ofwono Opondo has sparked fresh political debate after issuing a strongly worded warning to individuals in positions of power, reminding them that authority is temporary and should never be abused.
In a recent opinion piece, Opondo expressed concern about what he described as growing tendencies among some state actors to misuse public authority in ways that risk damaging Uganda’s democratic image and institutions.
Although he did not directly mention Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba by name, many political observers interpreted his remarks as a response to recent controversies involving military and security operations.
Opondo cautioned leaders against actions that could cause Uganda to be compared to some of the most criticized periods in the country’s political history.
He specifically warned against conduct that could revive memories of the eras associated with former leaders Idi Amin and Milton Obote, periods often remembered for political repression and human rights concerns.
According to Opondo, individuals entrusted with state power should always remember that positions of authority are temporary and that circumstances can change unexpectedly.
He argued that those who misuse their offices today may one day find themselves accountable for their actions when political fortunes change.
In one of the most striking sections of his commentary, Opondo stated that those abusing state authority should remember that “no situation is permanent” and should not later claim they were never warned.
The statement immediately attracted public attention because of its timing and the ongoing national conversations surrounding arrests, detentions, and the treatment of political activists.
Opondo also strongly criticized reports that some detainees had allegedly been stripped naked, photographed, and subjected to public humiliation while in custody.
He argued that such actions have no place in a democratic society and undermine the values that Uganda claims to uphold.
According to him, there is no legitimate justification for exposing detainees to degrading treatment while purporting to act under the authority of the state.
The former government spokesman emphasized that Uganda should never be transformed into what he described as a “jungle” where basic human dignity and legal protections are ignored.
His comments come in the wake of allegations made by former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and activist Ninye Tabz, both of whom claimed they were stripped and photographed while in detention.
The allegations generated significant public debate and prompted calls from human rights advocates for investigations into the conduct of security personnel.
While condemning alleged abuses, Opondo also urged Ugandans not to interpret recent arrests and detentions as evidence that the country is collapsing.
He argued that political tensions and legal disputes should not automatically be viewed as signs that the government or the nation has reached a breaking point.
At the same time, he stressed that leaders must remain conscious of the responsibilities that accompany public office and avoid actions that could damage public trust.
Political analysts say Opondo’s comments are significant because he has long been associated with the ruling establishment and rarely issues such direct public criticism of individuals exercising state power.
As debate over his remarks continues, many Ugandans are focusing on one message that stood out above all others: that power, influence, and authority are never permanent, and those who hold them today should exercise them with caution, restraint, and respect for the rule of law.
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