Senior Presidential Adviser on Defence and Security Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, commonly known as Gen. Salim Saleh, has directed Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to brief Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao on the security operations surrounding opposition figures Dr. Kizza Besigye and Erias Lukwago.
The directive is contained in a handwritten note dated June 28, 2026, and is understood to have followed concerns raised by Mao over being left out of investigations involving the two opposition leaders.
In the note, Gen. Saleh said Mao has a legal and political responsibility to explain to the public the circumstances surrounding the detention of Besigye and other individuals facing related investigations, as well as the actions taken by security agencies.
“Hon Mao as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (Chair of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Human Rights) has a duty to give a sense of perspectives to the public concerning the case of Dr Besigye and any of his accomplices. He also has a duty to explain actions by state security agencies against certain individuals and organisations,” the note reads.
Gen. Saleh added that although Mao coordinates the Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS), he may not have access to information held by the military and intelligence agencies.
“He is the coordinator of the JLOS. Since he may not be privy to some of military & intel agencies, he needs a briefing so that he can in turn respond to any concerns from the public.”
The handwritten communication ends with the phrase “Aluta Continua,” a slogan frequently used by Gen. Saleh in his correspondence.
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The directive comes at a time of heightened public attention over the detention and prosecution of Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Besigye was arrested earlier this month alongside several political associates before being charged before the General Court Martial with offences linked to national security. His prosecution has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, lawyers and civil society organisations, who argue that civilians should not be tried in military courts.
Lukwago was also arrested by military personnel after publicly criticising Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. He was later produced before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court and charged with misprision of treason, an offence that alleges a person knew of plans to commit treason but failed to report them to authorities.
His legal team has rejected the charge, describing it as politically motivated, and has questioned the legality of his arrest and detention by military personnel before he was handed over to civilian authorities.
The arrests of Besigye and Lukwago have continued to spark debate, with opposition politicians and human rights organisations accusing security agencies of targeting political opponents. Government officials have maintained that the operations are lawful and intended to safeguard national security.
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