Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has sparked fresh debate after making strong remarks about former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, following Lukwago’s arrest and subsequent charges linked to the treason case involving opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye.
Muhoozi, while reacting to the ongoing political battles, said repeated apologies would not change the situation, suggesting that Lukwago and his allies had now realised the strength of the forces they were challenging.
“Erias Lukwago keeps saying ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry’. It won’t help him now. Now they know who they are fighting,” Muhoozi stated.
The remarks have attracted attention because Lukwago’s arrest came at a time when he was involved in legal proceedings connected to Gen Muhoozi himself.
Lukwago, who was serving as one of Kizza Besigye’s lawyers, had reportedly been preparing to serve court documents on Gen Muhoozi in a separate case where Besigye accused the army chief of making statements that threatened his rights and affected his fair trial.
According to reports, Lukwago was arrested from his home in Wakaliga as he prepared to deliver the court summons to Muhoozi. His arrest later led to him being charged with misprision of treason, an offence relating to allegedly failing to report information about planned treasonous activities.
The development created a major political storm, with opposition figures accusing security agencies of targeting Lukwago because of his role in representing Besigye and attempting to serve legal documents on the army chief.
Supporters of Lukwago argued that serving court papers was part of a normal legal process and questioned why such an action resulted in his arrest.
However, authorities proceeded with charges against him, with prosecutors alleging that Lukwago had information regarding activities connected to the treason case involving Besigye but failed to report it. Lukwago has denied the accusations.
The confrontation has placed Muhoozi and Lukwago at the centre of one of Uganda’s most heated political disputes in recent months.
For years, Lukwago has been known as a strong opposition voice and a lawyer who has represented several political figures challenging government actions.
His supporters describe him as a fearless defender of justice, while critics accuse him of being part of political efforts aimed at challenging the government.
Muhoozi, who serves as Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, has also become a powerful political figure whose statements on national issues frequently generate strong reactions.
The latest comments from Muhoozi have intensified discussions about the relationship between security institutions, opposition leaders and Uganda’s political environment.
The arrest of Lukwago also raised questions about the ability of opposition lawyers to freely represent their clients in sensitive political cases.
The legal battle involving Besigye, Lukwago and Muhoozi has become one of the most closely watched political matters in Uganda.
Besigye and his supporters have continued to maintain that the charges against them are politically motivated, while government authorities insist that legal processes are being followed.
Meanwhile, Muhoozi’s statement has further fueled debate, with his supporters viewing it as a message of strength, while critics say it reflects growing political tensions.
The exchange between the two sides shows the deep divisions that continue to shape Uganda’s political landscape.
As the court cases continue, many Ugandans are watching closely to see how the confrontation between powerful government figures and opposition leaders will unfold.
For now, Gen Muhoozi’s warning that “they now know who they are fighting” has added another dramatic chapter to the ongoing political battles surrounding Lukwago and Besigye.
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