Lawyer Drags First Lady, Gen Muhoozi, and Gen Saleh to Court

Mr Tegulle filed a petition in the Constitutional Court, challenging the promotion and appointments of Gen Muhoozi, as well as the involvement of Gen Saleh and the First Lady in state affairs.

City lawer Gawaya Tegulle has taken legal action against Uganda's First Lady Janet Museveni, First Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and President Museveni's brother, Gen Salim Saleh, accusing them of various unconstitutional acts.

Mr Tegulle filed a petition in the Constitutional Court, challenging the promotion and appointments of Gen Muhoozi, as well as the involvement of Gen Saleh and the First Lady in state affairs.

The lawyer asserts that the promotion of Gen Muhoozi from Lieutenant-General to a four-star General in October 2022 was unconstitutional.

He argues that Muhoozi had previously exhibited conduct detrimental to national and regional security, which led to his removal as Commander of Land Forces.

Mr Tegulle contends that despite this, Muhoozi was not only promoted but was also later appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) in March 2024, which he claims violates Uganda's Constitution.

“The March 2024 appointment of the second respondent (Gen Muhoozi) as Chief of Defence Forces after being found unfit to hold the lower office of Commander Land Forces is anti-competitive, anti-meritorious, and inconsistent with Article 208 (2) & (3) of the Constitution,” the petition reads in part.

Mr Tegulle also argues that Muhoozi's public conduct, including his politically charged tweets, contravenes the non-partisan nature of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).

He points to tweets in which Muhoozi expressed presidential ambitions and attacked his brother-in-law, Odrek Rwabwogo, as evidence of conduct unbecoming of a military officer.

Participation in Partisan Politics

Tegule further accuses Gen Muhoozi of engaging in partisan politics through his involvement with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and its predecessor, the MK Movement.

He claims that Muhoozi's open declaration of his presidential ambitions and his public activities to promote himself as a candidate violate constitutional provisions that prohibit serving army officers from engaging in political activities.

Mr Tegulle also targets Gen Salim Saleh, accusing him of wielding executive power and accessing state resources without a clear legislative designation.

He describes Saleh’s role as amounting to "state capture," arguing that his involvement in state affairs violates the Constitution.

The lawyer’s petition also questions the appointment of the First Lady, Janet Museveni, as Minister for Education and Sports, citing it as a violation of the Constitution.

Mr Tegulle criticiszes her failure to regularly appear before Parliament to account for the resources allocated to her ministry, which he views as unconstitutional.

Tegule’s Demands

Tegule is seeking several orders from the Constitutional Court. He wants the court to:

• Recall Gen Muhoozi’s current rank and declare the office of CDF vacant, calling for its occupation by a more competent and deserving officer
• Order Gen Muhoozi to cease his political activities or resign from the UPDF to engage in politics as a civilian
• Dissolve the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) unless Muhoozi relinquishes his military commission
• Compel Janet Museveni to attend Parliament regularly
• Require Gen Salim Saleh to explain his role in state affairs and disclose where he derives his powers to access and utilize state resources

Tegule's petition challenges the influence of President Museveni's close family members on Uganda’s political and military structures, arguing that their appointments and actions undermine constitutional principles.

The case is expected to spark significant legal and political debate.