Joel Ssenyonyi Accuses Muhoozi of Undermining Rule of Law as Opposition Rallies Behind Lukwago

Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has accused Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba of undermining the rule of law, warning that no Ugandan is safe if unlawful arrests, abductions, and detentions continue.

Ssenyonyi made the remarks during a meeting of opposition leaders convened in response to the arrest of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

The meeting brought together representatives from different political parties, including Michael Lulume Bayigga, Alice Alaso, Patrick Amuriat Oboi, Lewis Rubongoya, Angella Lubongoya, and Shadow Minister for Security Kaps Fungaroo.

The leaders condemned Lukwago’s arrest by the military on Monday and his subsequent arraignment in court on Wednesday on charges of misprision of treason. He was remanded to Luzira Prison until June 22, 2026.

Speaking at the meeting, Ssenyonyi said many Ugandans had previously remained silent when opposition supporters were abducted or detained, believing the actions did not affect them. However, he argued that recent events demonstrate that no one is immune from arbitrary state action.
He warned that “no Ugandan is safe if unlawful arrests and abductions continue,” adding that the country was sliding into a situation where citizens can no longer predict who will be targeted next.

Ssenyonyi further criticized Gen. Muhoozi over statements he said show disregard for legal processes and constitutional governance. He also stated that “political competition should not be conducted through military influence,” arguing that those in uniform should not participate in partisan politics.

The Opposition leader further challenged Gen. Muhoozi to leave the military if he wishes to engage in partisan politics, insisting that political competition should be conducted through democratic processes rather than military influence.

Democratic Party Deputy Chairperson Michael Lulume Bayigga said the meeting was aimed at ensuring Ugandans remain engaged in matters of governance and national affairs. He questioned the circumstances surrounding Lukwago’s arrest, asking what offence the former mayor had committed and why the operation was allegedly conducted by the Special Forces Command (SFC).

Lulume, who also serves as Shadow Minister for Security, raised concerns about the state of security institutions, arguing that some agencies are no longer serving their intended purpose. He accused state institutions, including courts of law, of operating under pressure and fear, which he said affects their ability to deliver independent justice.

He further claimed that some members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) are concerned about the growing influence of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), which he alleged is using military influence to dominate the political space. He called on opposition groups and other democratic forces to challenge what he described as abuse of power.

Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Secretary General Alice Alaso said the current situation in the country would persist if leaders and institutions remain silent. She accused governance institutions, including the judiciary and security agencies, of failing to protect citizens’ rights and instead attempting to justify actions that violate democratic principles.

Alaso called for discipline, accountability, and respect for human rights, urging regional leaders and public officials to speak out against actions that threaten democracy and the rule of law.

FDC President Patrick Amuriat Oboi called for restraint, sanity, and respect for democratic values, urging political actors to work together in defending citizens’ interests and protecting democratic institutions.

National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya warned that no Ugandan is safe if unlawful arrests and abductions continue. He cited alleged cases involving opposition supporters, including the reported detention of a supporter identified as Namanya, commonly known as Tabz.

Rubongoya also called upon religious leaders, cultural leaders, and other influential members of society to speak out in defence of justice, human rights, and constitutional governance.

The opposition leaders jointly called for respect for constitutionalism, accountability within security agencies, and the protection of fundamental freedoms, arguing that the arrest of Lukwago raises broader questions about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Uganda.