Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has sparked fresh political controversy after declaring that he wants a new Leader of Opposition in Parliament and vowing to remove Joel Ssenyonyi from the position.
The remarks, made through a series of posts on X, have heightened tensions between the military chief and leaders of the opposition. According to reports, Muhoozi indicated that he no longer wants Ssenyonyi to occupy the influential parliamentary office and suggested that changes should be made.
The latest development comes amid an escalating standoff involving several opposition figures. Earlier, Muhoozi warned that Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi and People’s Front for Freedom stalwart Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda could be the next targets following the arrest and prosecution of Erias Lukwago.
Muhoozi’s comments followed the detention of Lukwago, who was later charged with misprision of treason and remanded to prison. The Kampala lawyer and politician has been one of the most vocal critics of both President Yoweri Museveni’s government and the Chief of Defence Forces.
The outspoken army chief also shared images of Lukwago and veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye dressed in prison uniforms, accompanied by provocative remarks that have generated outrage among opposition supporters.
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba reportedly directed Daudi Kabanda to devise ways through which the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) could take over the Office of the Leader of Opposition in Parliament. The move came after Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi repeatedly criticized the conduct and mode of operation of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).By press time, Joel Ssenyonyi had not publicly responded to the latest comments. Political analysts say the statements are likely to deepen concerns over the growing involvement of the military in Uganda’s political affairs.
Under Uganda’s parliamentary system, the Leader of Opposition is appointed by the largest opposition party in Parliament, a position currently held by the National Unity Platform’s Joel Ssenyonyi.
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