Two high-profile court cases involving prominent Ugandan government critics resumed on Tuesday, sharpening attention on an escalating political crackdown that analysts say is increasingly being driven by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni.
The proceedings come amid growing concern over civil liberties in Uganda, where opposition politicians, lawyers and independent media organisations have faced mounting pressure in recent weeks.
President Museveni, 81, who secured another term in office earlier this year after nearly four decades in power, has remained publicly silent as his son, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, takes an increasingly prominent role in the country’s political landscape.
Among the cases before the courts is that of veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who continues to face treason charges after being detained following his reported abduction from Kenya in late 2024. Rights groups and his family have repeatedly raised concerns about his treatment in custody, alleging he has suffered torture and deteriorating health. Ugandan authorities have not publicly responded to those allegations.
In a separate hearing, lawyers are expected to argue the case of Erias Lukwago, one of Besigye’s legal representatives. Lukwago was arrested earlier this month after General Kainerugaba publicly announced that he had ordered his detention. Prosecutors accuse him of failing to disclose an alleged plot against the state, an accusation he denies.
The legal proceedings follow a series of actions that have heightened fears over shrinking democratic space. At the weekend, authorities suspended the operations of the Nation Media Group’s Ugandan outlets, including the Daily Monitor newspaper and NTV Uganda, after the military accused them of broadcasting content related to opposition activities. Shortly afterwards, General Kainerugaba wrote on social media: “I DO NOT believe in a free press!”
The statement drew criticism from media freedom advocates and prompted renewed debate over the independence of Uganda’s press.
For years, General Kainerugaba’s provocative online posts were often dismissed as political theatre. His social media activity has ranged from inflammatory comments about political opponents to personal remarks that regularly attract international attention.
That perception, however, appears to be changing.
“People previously treated many of his statements as jokes,” said Gerald Walulya, a senior lecturer in journalism at Makerere University. “But for the first time we are seeing him exercise power without any visible restraint from his father.”
Speculation that President Museveni is preparing his son to succeed him has circulated for years, although neither has officially confirmed such plans.
General Kainerugaba, 52, trained at Britain’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before rising rapidly through Uganda’s military ranks. He now leads the country’s armed forces and heads the Patriotic League of Uganda, a political movement that has fuelled further discussion about his presidential ambitions.
Earlier this month, he asked his followers on X: “Do you Ugandans love me? Will you vote for me if I stand after Mzee?” using the widely recognize honorific for his father.
Political analyst Yusuf Serunkuma said it remains unclear whether General Kainerugaba is deliberately building a political base or simply exercising authority through his military position.
“I’m not sure whether exhibiting power and cultivating fear is part of the strategy for Muhoozi or if he is simply doing what comes naturally to him as a soldier,” Serunkuma said.
He added that while the general commands a large online following, that popularity has yet to be tested across Uganda’s broader electorate.
The opposition landscape has narrowed considerably in recent months. Besigye, once President Museveni’s strongest electoral challenger, remains behind bars, while singer-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who contested the presidency in 2021, has spent extended periods outside Uganda after receiving threats from General Kainerugaba.
Meanwhile, rights organisations continue to report increased scrutiny. Agora, a Ugandan civic organisation, has also been summoned by police over allegations of fraud and money laundering, accusations the organisation disputes.
Despite the growing controversy surrounding his son’s public statements and actions, President Museveni has not commented publicly, leaving many observers questioning where political authority now firmly rests within Uganda’s ruling establishment.
About the Author
