KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has sharply criticised President Yoweri Museveni following his defence of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, accusing the President of attempting to justify alleged human rights violations and political repression.
The criticism follows Museveni’s nationally televised address on Saturday, during which he defended recent security operations overseen by Gen Muhoozi, including the arrests of opposition politicians, activists and critics, as well as the closure of media organisations.
The President argued that the actions were necessary to curb what he described as growing impunity and lawlessness among certain political actors and their supporters.
Museveni also suggested that Ugandans should appreciate the fact that suspects are being arrested and prosecuted rather than being subjected to extrajudicial force.
However, opposition groups and human rights organisations have challenged that position, arguing that several arrests have been characterised by prolonged detention, restricted access to legal representation and allegations of enforced disappearances.
Growing concern over human rights
Human rights advocates have repeatedly raised concerns about reports of individuals being detained incommunicado for extended periods before appearing in court.
The issue has attracted criticism from civil society groups, opposition parties and international observers who have questioned the treatment of political opponents and government critics.
In his address, Museveni rejected comparisons between current security practices and those employed under the administrations of former presidents Idi Amin and Milton Obote, insisting that state institutions are acting within the law to maintain order and prevent vigilantism.
The President also referenced the case of veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, who has been in detention since November 2024 and is facing treason-related charges.
Museveni accused Dr Besigye of attempting to delay judicial proceedings despite what he described as strong evidence against him.
The case remains one of the most politically sensitive legal battles in Uganda and has become a focal point for opposition criticism of the government.
PFF accuses government of political persecution
In a strongly worded statement released after the President’s address, the People’s Front for Freedom accused Museveni of attempting to sanitise the actions of security agencies while shifting responsibility away from those accused of violating citizens’ rights.
The party argued that the President’s remarks reflected a broader effort to legitimise actions that have attracted widespread domestic and international criticism.
PFF further claimed that the judicial process involving Dr Besigye has been undermined by political interference and questioned whether the opposition leader could receive a fair trial under the current circumstances.
The party accused the government of using state institutions to target political opponents while portraying legal challenges and procedural objections as attempts to delay justice.
Focus on Besigye case
The opposition statement devoted significant attention to Dr Besigye’s ongoing prosecution, arguing that the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention have compromised the integrity of the legal process.
PFF alleged that efforts to prosecute the opposition veteran have been accompanied by restrictions affecting members of his legal team.
The party also criticised what it described as attempts to fast-track proceedings while limiting the defence’s ability to adequately prepare its case.
Dr Besigye has consistently denied allegations against him, while his lawyers have repeatedly challenged various aspects of the prosecution and detention process.
His continued incarceration has become a rallying point for opposition supporters who view the case as emblematic of broader concerns about political freedoms and the rule of law.
Muhoozi remains central figure in political debate
Gen Muhoozi has increasingly become a prominent figure in Uganda’s political discourse, both because of his role as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and his frequent public commentary on political and national security issues.
His statements regarding opposition figures, particularly Dr Besigye, have generated significant controversy and prompted criticism from political opponents and rights organisations.
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The latest exchange highlights growing tensions between the government and opposition parties as Uganda moves through an increasingly polarised political environment.
While Museveni maintains that security agencies are acting to preserve stability and public order, opposition groups insist that recent actions represent an escalation in political repression and restrictions on democratic freedoms.
The disagreement is likely to intensify as legal proceedings involving opposition leaders continue and debates over civil liberties, accountability and political participation remain at the centre of Uganda’s national conversation.
