Muhoozi Responds to Calls to Forgive Lukwago Over Worrying Health Condition: We’re Going to Finish it Now

KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has intensified the political storm surrounding the detention of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, declaring that the veteran opposition figure and four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye have been fighting him “for many decades” and warning that “we are going to finish it now.”

The statement was made came as concerns continued to mount over Lukwago’s welfare on the day he was abducted and detained.

Muhoozi’s remarks were made in response to an appeal from one of his supporters, who urged the military commander to show mercy toward the prominent opposition lawyer and politician.

The exchange began when an X user identified as Tumukunde TT appealed directly to Muhoozi, describing himself as a supporter of the general while pleading for compassion toward Lukwago.

“General MK, I am one of your good supporters and a young person who believes in your leadership. With utmost respect and humility, I kindly appeal to your sense of mercy and compassion regarding Mr. Elias Lukwago. While there may have been disagreements and actions that caused hurt, he was often carrying out professional duties on behalf of his client,” wrote Tumukunde.

“I interracted with him at court a few days and his health by all indications, is not in the best condition. Many of us young people who support you would be deeply encouraged to see such compassion prevail. We do not wish to see his health deteriorate further. I just ask for your mercy as my leader. Hear my plea. He is sick. May God bless you and continue to guide you.”

In response, Muhoozi wrote: “Tumukunde, thank you for your message and civility. Advise Lukwago to learn from you. He has been fighting me with Besigye for many decades. We are going to finish it now.”

The comments immediately drew attention across Uganda’s political landscape, where Lukwago and Besigye have long been among the most outspoken critics of President Yoweri Museveni’s government and, more recently, of Muhoozi’s growing political influence.

The appeal reflected growing concern among political observers, lawyers and opposition supporters over Lukwago’s condition and the circumstances surrounding his detention.

Rather than directly addressing the concerns about Lukwago’s health, Muhoozi framed the issue as part of a longstanding political confrontation involving both Lukwago and Besigye.

His reference to Besigye added another layer to an already tense political saga. Besigye, one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition leaders, has spent more than two decades challenging Museveni’s rule and has frequently accused state institutions of being used to suppress dissent.

Lukwago, meanwhile, has built a reputation as one of the government’s fiercest critics, both as Kampala’s Lord Mayor and as a lawyer representing opposition activists and political detainees in some of Uganda’s most high-profile legal battles.

Muhoozi, who has emerged as one of the country’s most influential political actors, has repeatedly used social media to comment on opposition leaders, government policy and national politics. His posts often generate intense debate and frequently become major political talking points.

For supporters of the opposition, Monday’s remarks are likely to fuel concerns that the dispute involving Lukwago extends beyond legal or security matters and has become deeply personal and political.

For Muhoozi’s supporters, however, the comments may be seen as another demonstration of his willingness to confront longtime political adversaries directly and publicly.

As reactions continued to pour in online, attention remained focused on Lukwago’s condition and whether the appeals for compassion from some of Muhoozi’s own supporters could influence developments in the coming days.

For now, Muhoozi’s message leaves little doubt that he views the confrontation with Lukwago and Besigye as part of a much larger political struggle — one he says is far from over.

In 2020, 2021 and 2024, Lukwago was hospitalized in Nairobi and underwent surgery, as reported Here and There.

Meanwhile, Muhoozi bragged about being above the law, as reported Here.