Saleh Writes to Muhoozi on Handling of Besigye, Lukwago Cases

Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, commonly known as Salim Saleh, has written to Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba requesting a coordinated briefing on the handling of sensitive security-related cases involving opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

The handwritten note, dated June 28, 2026, and titled “The Lukwago Issue,” has been circulating on social media, drawing public attention to internal discussions on coordination between security agencies and civilian oversight institutions.

In the letter, Saleh calls for structured communication regarding ongoing cases that have generated public interest, particularly those involving Besigye and Lukwago.

Saleh also refers to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, stating that the minister has a public responsibility to address questions arising from security and legal proceedings, especially in his role as Chairperson of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Human Rights.

“Hon. Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice & Constitutional Affairs (Chair of the Cabinet Standing Committee of Human Rights), has a duty to the public concerning the case of Dr. Kizza Besigye and any of his accomplices,” Saleh wrote.

“He also has a duty to explain actions by the state security agencies against certain individuals and organisations. He may not be privy to some of the military intelligence. He needs a briefing so that he can, in turn, respond to any concerns from the public,” the letter added.

The communication further emphasizes the need for consistent messaging on sensitive national security matters, particularly in cases that have attracted significant public attention.

Lukwago, a former Kampala Lord Mayor and opposition lawyer, is currently on remand after being charged with misprision of treason. He was arrested on June 15 in Kampala and later arraigned over allegations that he withheld information concerning an alleged plot to overthrow the government involving Dr. Kizza Besigye between 2021 and 2024.

His lawyers have denied the charges, describing the case as politically motivated, an allegation that authorities have not publicly addressed in detail.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, remain on remand at Luzira Upper Prison facing treason charges. Prosecutors allege that meetings held in several international cities, including Nairobi, Geneva, and Athens, were part of a broader plan to overthrow the government. The defence has rejected the allegations.

The case has already witnessed significant legal developments, including jurisdictional disputes after the accused were initially charged before a military court. The matter was later transferred to the civilian justice system following a Supreme Court ruling.

Bail applications have so far been denied, with the High Court citing concerns that the accused could interfere with ongoing investigations, a position the defence continues to challenge.

By press time, neither Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba nor the Uganda People’s Defence Forces had officially commented on Saleh’s handwritten letter.