The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has called for the removal of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Hon Joel Ssenyonyi, who is in Parliament on National Unity Platform Party Ticket.
In a series of statements shared on social media, Gen. Muhoozi said he wanted a new Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and vowed to influence the process.
“I want a new leader of the opposition in Parliament. And I will get him. He will be endorsed by me,” Gen. Muhoozi stated.
His remarks were met with support from David Kabanda, who responded:
“Ok Sir. Mine is to implement.”
Gen. Muhoozi later revealed that he had directed members of the Patriotic League of Uganda to explore ways of removing Ssenyonyi from the opposition leadership position.
“I have instructed PLU to study how to remove @JoelSsenyonyi from being leader of the opposition as soon as possible,” he wrote.
The exchanges emerged amid an escalating war of words between the military chief and opposition leaders over governance, security, and constitutionalism.
Clash Over LRA Comparison
The disagreement intensified after Ssenyonyi criticized Gen. Muhoozi’s public statements and actions, drawing parallels with the conduct of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency.
Responding sharply, Gen. Muhoozi rejected the comparison and defended the role played by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in defeating the rebel group led by Joseph Kony.
“Before I arrest you, let me educate you small boy. Do not compare me to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) of Joseph Kony. We fought them for many years. I know what they were,” Gen. Muhoozi stated.
Ssenyonyi countered that his criticism was aimed at what he described as actions that undermine the rule of law.
“LRA used to commit crime in God’s name. You too offend the law and then tell us how you are a descendant of Jesus Christ, as if to insinuate that you do all the wrong you do in His name,” Ssenyonyi responded.
Statements on Opposition Leaders Raise Debate
In other social media posts, Gen. Muhoozi made remarks suggesting that opposition politicians, including Erias Lukwago and Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, could face arrest or imprisonment.
Among the statements attracting attention was his assertion that, as CDF, he had authority to arrest opposition figures and continue suppressing their activities.
He also suggested that Lukwago could face a lengthy prison term and indicated that Ssenyonyi and Ssemujju would “follow very soon.”
The comments have generated discussion among legal experts, politicians, and civil society actors regarding constitutional provisions on individual liberties, separation of powers, and the role of security institutions in a democratic society.
Government Support for Security Agencies
Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government, Hon.Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi defended the work of security agencies, emphasizing the importance of national stability.
“National security and stability is Uganda’s priority. Let the forces do their job to protect Uganda and its people,” Balaam stated.
Constitutional Questions
The controversy comes at a time when Uganda is preparing for the political transition. Under the 1995 Constitution, the Leader of the Opposition is designated from the largest opposition party represented in Parliament and formally appointed through parliamentary procedures rather than executive or military endorsement.
Political analysts note that Gen. Muhoozi’s remarks are likely to fuel debate over the relationship between military leadership and civilian political institutions, particularly regarding the independence of Parliament and the constitutional framework governing opposition leadership.
As public discussion continues, opposition leaders maintain that democratic governance requires respect for constitutional processes, while government supporters argue that security concerns must remain a central consideration in safeguarding national stability.
The developments underscore the growing political tensions ahead of the new ‘Kisanja’ (term) cycle and are expected to remain a subject of national debate in the coming months.
KMS Media News Desk
