Gen Saleh Advises Gen Muhoozi on Besigye, Lukwago Cases

Gen Salim Saleh has advised the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on handling public concerns surrounding the cases of opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, Kampala Lord Mayor Emeritus Erias Lukwago, and others.

In his remarks, Gen Saleh pointed to the role of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, who also chairs the Cabinet Standing Committee on Human Rights, in addressing public concerns regarding the matter.

“Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (Chair of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Human Rights), has a duty to the public concerning the case of Dr Kizza Besigye and any of his accomplices,” Gen Saleh said.

He added that the minister is responsible for explaining the actions taken by state security agencies against certain individuals and organisations.

“He may not be privy to some of the military intelligence. He needs a briefing so that he can in turn respond to any public concerns,” Gen Saleh noted.

Charges against Lukwago

Erias Lukwago, who was arrested earlier this month, is facing charges of misprision of treason.

According to the prosecution, between 2021 and 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, Lukwago, together with others including Joel Wakayima, Frank Atukunda, Hajj Obed Kamulegeya and Dr Kizza Besigye, was aware of plans to commit treason but failed to report the matter to the relevant authorities.

The prosecution argues that this failure to report alleged treasonous plans to a minister or a police officer in charge of a station constitutes an offence under Ugandan law.

Besigye treason charges

Meanwhile, Dr Kizza Besigye is facing separate charges of treason following his arrest in 2024.

Prosecution alleges that Besigye and his co-accused were arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, after attending a book launch hosted by Kenyan politician Martha Karua.

The state further claims that the accused travelled to Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya, where they participated in both physical and virtual meetings allegedly aimed at plotting to overthrow the Ugandan government.

According to prosecutors, these activities involved coordination with operatives based in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala.

The prosecution also contends that the accused failed to report knowledge of the alleged treasonous activities between 2023 and November 2024, contrary to Ugandan law.

Ongoing scrutiny

The cases have attracted public attention, with concerns raised over the actions of security agencies and the handling of politically sensitive cases.

Gen Saleh’s remarks come amid growing debate on the role of government institutions in ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in matters involving national security and political actors.

The matters remain before the courts.

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