Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security, Gen. (Rtd) Caleb Akandwanaho, commonly known as Salim Saleh, has advised the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, that public concerns surrounding the detention of Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, Lord Mayor Emeritus Erias Lukwago and others should be addressed through the appropriate civilian government channels.
In a statement, Gen. Saleh said the responsibility of explaining the government’s position on the matter rests with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, who also chairs the Cabinet Standing Committee on Human Rights.
“Hon. 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,” Saleh said.
He added that the minister also has the responsibility to explain actions taken by state security agencies against individuals and organisations that have attracted public attention.
“He also has a duty to explain actions by the 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,” Saleh stated.
Saleh’s remarks come amid sustained public debate over the prosecution of Dr. Besigye and other opposition figures, a matter that has drawn reactions from political leaders, civil society organisations and international partners.
Justice Minister Norbert Mao has previously called for due process and criticised delays surrounding aspects of Besigye’s legal proceedings, while maintaining that the justice system should be allowed to take its course.
Gen. Saleh, a veteran of the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) and the National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation struggle, remains one of Uganda’s most influential security figures. He serves as Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security and Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), a nationwide civil-military programme aimed at supporting household incomes and agricultural production.
Often described as the government’s “Chief Listener” because of his behind-the-scenes mediation efforts, Saleh has in recent months repeatedly advocated dialogue and de-escalation of political tensions ahead of the country’s electoral processes.
His latest comments appear to underscore the distinction between military operations and civilian political accountability, suggesting that public communication on sensitive legal and security matters should primarily be handled through the responsible government institutions.