Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has reignited controversy after issuing a fresh statement targeting former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, warning that he intends to take hold of the opposition politician again. In a post shared on social media, Muhoozi claimed that Lukwago had failed to last five minutes in what he described as the “basement” before declaring that his alleged holiday with Gen Salim Saleh was over. The remarks have triggered renewed debate over Lukwago’s reported detention, his health and the circumstances surrounding his treatment by security agencies.
“Lukwago did not last 5 minutes in the basement. His holiday with Afande Saleh is over. I’m going to take hold of him again. He can start crying again,” Muhoozi wrote. The military chief did not provide further details explaining what he meant by the basement reference or clarify the nature of the alleged arrangement involving Saleh. His declaration that he intended to take hold of Lukwago again, however, has raised questions about whether further action against the opposition politician could follow.
Lukwago, a prominent lawyer and opposition figure who leads the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), has remained at the centre of political controversy following his reported arrest at his Kampala home on June 15, 2026. The operation reportedly involved security personnel, after which he was said to have been held at an undisclosed location before being presented in court. The circumstances surrounding his arrest and subsequent handling have attracted public attention, with concerns emerging over his personal safety and access to appropriate medical care.
The former Lord Mayor was subsequently charged with misprision of treason, an offence associated with failing to report knowledge of treason. The charge remains an allegation to be determined through the legal process, and it does not amount to a conviction. Lukwago’s legal team has continued to challenge aspects of his detention while seeking arrangements that would allow him to receive the medical attention they say he needs.
Concerns about Lukwago’s health have added another dimension to the controversy. His lawyer, Medard Lubega Sseggona, has previously raised concerns about his client’s deteriorating condition and called for his release on bail to enable him to access specialised medical treatment. The concerns have intensified public scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the opposition leader’s detention, particularly regarding his welfare and the need to ensure that his legal rights are respected.
Muhoozi’s latest remarks have also revived questions about the relationship between Uganda’s security institutions and opposition politicians. As CDF, Muhoozi occupies one of the country’s most senior military positions, making his public statements about a civilian political figure particularly sensitive. His warning that he intends to take hold of Lukwago again has prompted fresh debate about the limits of military authority, the role of security agencies in civilian matters and the safeguards available to individuals facing criminal charges.
The reference to Gen Salim Saleh has further fuelled speculation about the circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s reported detention and the meaning of Muhoozi’s description of it as a holiday. However, the military chief did not explain the reference, and his statement alone does not establish the nature of any arrangement involving Saleh. Neither does the post confirm that a new arrest has taken place or that an official decision has been made to detain Lukwago again.
As the controversy unfolds, attention is likely to remain focused on Lukwago’s health, his ongoing legal proceedings and the implications of Muhoozi’s warning. Opposition supporters and other observers are expected to continue demanding clarity about the circumstances of his treatment and the protection of his rights under the law. Whether Muhoozi’s latest declaration signals an intended action or remains a provocative social media statement is still unclear, but the remarks have placed the former Lord Mayor’s situation firmly back in the public spotlight.
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