What did Museveni say about the recent issues of torture?
KAMPALA — President Yoweri Museveni has broken his silence following the explosive revelations by his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who publicly admitted to abducting and torturing Eddie Mutwe, the chief bodyguard of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Speaking from State House Entebbe, where he chaired both the UPDF High Command and the Defense Forces Council meetings, President Museveni called for an end to political intimidation and emphasized the importance of civility in Uganda’s democratic processes.
“The NRM advocates for disciplined democracy, not hooliganism or bad language,” Museveni declared. “We want Ugandans to decide what they want without intimidation. Politicians engaging in practices that intimidate citizens must stop! This is not the African way.”
These remarks come on the heels of an alarming tweet by General Muhoozi, who wrote, “I have Mr. Eddie Mutwe in my basement. He is learning Runyankore.” He included photos of Mutwe, half naked, which sparked nationwide outrage and international condemnation.
Despite the backlash, President Museveni did not address the incident directly by name, but his message appeared aimed at restoring calm within the ranks of the security forces and reinforcing the image of a government still committed to order and principle.
“You must speak well in public; do not resort to negative speech,” he urged. “The security agencies have discussed this issue, and it will come to an end.”
Human rights advocates and opposition leaders argue that Museveni’s speech, while diplomatically worded, does not go far enough in addressing the growing culture of impunity among top military officials.
Justice Minister Norbert Mao, one of the few officials to confront the issue directly, stated, “Torture is a crime. It must be investigated. No one is above the law.” He called for full accountability in the case.
Museveni, now in power for nearly four decades, used part of his speech to call on Uganda’s youth to embrace the founding ideals of the NRM: discipline, patriotism, and service.
“The challenge for young people is to understand what the pioneers started and to carry that legacy forward. Additionally, they should embrace uzalendo—working for the betterment of the country.”
As Uganda gears up for another election cycle, political analysts believe this moment may prove pivotal in testing the integrity of its democratic institutions. General Muhoozi, long rumored to be eyeing a presidential run, now faces mounting scrutiny over his conduct—and his father’s next move may determine whether that ambition survives.
