Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has accused Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba of undermining the rule of law, while claiming that there is a plan to implicate him in an ongoing terrorism-related court file linked to proceedings in Butambala.
In a post on X, Ssenyonyi alleged that he had been informed of a “ploy” to add him to the terrorism file currently before court, suggesting that he could be drawn into one of several related case files involving opposition-linked suspects.
He wrote that “when you fight corruption, it fights back” and “when you fight bad governance, it fights back,” adding that he would not be intimidated by what he described as political pressure.
The allegations come amid heightened scrutiny of a high-profile terrorism case in which former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and 24 co-accused are facing charges before the High Court.
The State has opposed their bail application, arguing that the accused should remain in custody as investigations are still ongoing and that releasing them could interfere with witnesses and evidence.
Prosecutors further maintain that the accused are flight risks due to the seriousness of the charges, which include allegations that they were involved in attacks on Kibibi Police Station and the Butambala Electoral Commission tally centre during a politically tense election period, resulting in destruction of property, damage to vehicles, and reported fatalities.
The defence, represented by M/S Alaka & Company Advocates and Lukwago & Company Advocates, insists the accused have fixed places of residence, strong community ties, and have consistently complied with court attendance since their arrest in early 2026.
Among the sureties presented in support of bail is Ssenyonyi himself, alongside close family members of the accused.
Ssenyonyi’s claim of being targeted for inclusion in the same file has added a new layer of political sensitivity to the ongoing proceedings, especially given his role as a surety in the case and his broader criticism of what opposition figures describe as the increasing militarisation of law enforcement and political activity.
The army has not responded to the latest allegations, and the claims remain unverified. However, the development is likely to further intensify political debate around the conduct of security agencies, the independence of the judiciary, and the handling of politically charged criminal prosecutions in the country.