Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has reportedly made remarks about National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president for Buganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, sparking fresh debate about the relationship between the military chief and opposition politicians. Muhoozi is reported to have asked whether his friend Kivumbi had been talking again before adding that he was looking for him. Although the context of the statement remains unclear, the reported words have attracted attention amid the continuing political tensions between government figures and supporters of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Kivumbi is one of the prominent figures within the NUP leadership and has built a reputation as a vocal critic of the government. As the party’s deputy president for Buganda and a representative of Butambala County in Parliament, he has remained active in Uganda’s opposition politics. His public statements and political activities have frequently placed him at the centre of national debates, particularly those involving the government, opposition freedoms and the treatment of opposition leaders.
The latest reported remarks attributed to Muhoozi come against the background of Kivumbi’s legal troubles following violence reported in Butambala during the January 2026 election period. Kivumbi was arrested and charged in connection with the incidents, drawing attention from opposition supporters and political observers. However, the allegations against him remain subject to legal proceedings and should not be interpreted as proof of guilt.
His arrest also attracted reactions from NUP leaders, including Bobi Wine, who raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the case and the treatment of opposition members. The party has repeatedly expressed concerns about what it describes as politically motivated actions against its supporters, while authorities have pursued criminal cases connected to election-related incidents. These competing positions have contributed to an already tense political atmosphere.
Muhoozi’s reported reference to Kivumbi as a friend has added another dimension to the discussion, particularly because the statement was reportedly accompanied by the words that he was looking for the opposition politician. Without the full context, it remains uncertain whether the military chief was responding to a particular statement, making a political remark or referring to another matter. The wording has nevertheless prompted questions about what he intended to communicate.
Kivumbi’s continued involvement in opposition politics has ensured that he remains a figure of interest to both his supporters and critics. Following his reported release on bail, he maintained his political presence, while NUP continued to challenge what it considers unfair treatment of its members. Any fresh public exchange involving Kivumbi and Muhoozi could therefore attract considerable attention, given their respective positions and the wider political disagreements surrounding them.
For NUP supporters, remarks by a serving military chief about looking for a prominent opposition politician may raise concerns about personal safety, political freedom and the relationship between security institutions and opposition figures. However, the reported statement alone does not establish that Kivumbi faces a new arrest, investigation or security operation. Its significance will depend on the circumstances in which it was made and whether either party provides further clarification.
As debate continues, attention is likely to focus on whether Muhoozi will explain his remarks and whether Kivumbi or the NUP leadership will respond publicly. For now, the reported comments have generated fresh discussion about the political climate surrounding Uganda’s opposition, but their precise meaning remains unconfirmed. Any suggestion of impending action against Kivumbi would be premature without additional evidence or an official statement from the parties involved.
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