KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s army chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has sparked widespread condemnation after posting messages on social media appearing to boast about inflicting “hurt and pain” on opposition lawyer and politician Erias Lukwago, who was detained by military personnel earlier on Monday.
Gen Muhoozi, the son of long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, shared images on the social media platform X showing Lukwago in military custody shortly after his arrest from his residence in Wakaliga, Kampala.
“I’m proud of ALL the hurt and pain I will inflict on the CRIMINAL LUKWAGO!,” Gen Muhoozi wrote to his 1.3 million followers. “He keeps saying ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry’. It won’t help him now.”
The post was accompanied by an image of Lukwago wearing a white T-shirt while in custody. Another image circulating online shows a man in similar surroundings with his face covered and hands together, though it remains unclear under what circumstances the photograph was taken.
In earlier posts, Kainerugaba said he had “captured a fool and taken him to the basement” without naming Lukwago, and later wrote: “he summoned me?? How do you DARE to utter those words… this fool will learn the lesson.”
Lukwago, a prominent opposition lawyer, was reportedly preparing to serve legal documents linked to a petition challenging Kainerugaba over alleged public statements regarding the detention of opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye.
According to the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Lukwago had been involved in efforts to formally summon the army chief as part of ongoing legal proceedings.
Relatives told AFP that armed men stormed his residence early Monday.
“Military personnel jumped over the gate and violently bundled him into the van and drove away,” a family member said.
“They did not tell us where they were taking him.”
Lukwago is part of Besigye’s legal defence team in a high-profile treason case. Besigye has been in detention since his arrest in Kenya in 2024, which his supporters have described as unlawful.
Lukwago’s wife, Zawedde Lubwama Lukwago, compared the incident to past periods of authoritarian rule in Uganda.
“This is Amin’s regime regenerated through Muhoozi,” she told journalists, referring to former dictator Idi Amin.
“My husband is a respected lawyer who has not committed any crime.”
Human rights activist Agather Atuhaire condemned the arrest, saying it reflected growing impunity.
“We now have a government that not only breaks the law but also gloats about it,” she said.
Gen. Muhoozi has previously faced criticism for provocative online remarks, including past posts referencing opposition figures and military operations.
Also Read: Byanyima condemns Lukwago detention, accuses Muhoozi of undermining rule of law
Last year, he claimed to have abducted a security aide of opposition leader Bobi Wine and described using him “as a punching bag,” remarks that drew strong condemnation from rights groups.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine, who lost the presidential election to Museveni earlier this year, also condemned Lukwago’s detention, calling it a “violent abduction”.
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has previously made threats against Wine, prompting repeated concern from human rights organisations over the conduct of senior security officials.
Authorities had not issued an official explanation for Lukwago’s detention at the time of publication.
