Shadow Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs Derrick Nyeko has formally petitioned Parliament, calling for fresh summons to the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, over social media conduct he says undermines the integrity of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and poses a threat to the rule of law and public safety.
In a letter addressed to the Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, Wilson Kajwengye, Nyeko urged the committee to summon both Gen Muhoozi and the Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Jacob Oboth Oboth, to explain what he termed as "reckless conduct and attacks on civilians."
Nyeko cited the recent case of Edward Ssebufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe, the personal bodyguard of National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, who was reportedly abducted by unknown security operatives.
Days later, Gen Muhoozi posted photos on his X (formerly Twitter) platform, revealing that Mutwe was being taught Runyankole, allegedly from his basement.
The post drew outrage, with opposition leaders interpreting it as an admission of illegal detention and humiliation.
“This kind of behaviour by a serving Chief of Defence Forces not only erodes the credibility of the UPDF, but also promotes impunity and signals the use of state security machinery to target civilians based on political affiliation,” Nyeko wrote in his petition.
The Makindye East legislator reminded the committee that Gen Muhoozi had previously declined to appear before it in February, dismissing the invitation to present the Defence Ministry’s policy statement by describing parliamentary proceedings as a “circus of clowns.”
Nyeko now wants Parliament to compel accountability and rein in what he views as a growing pattern of disrespect for civilian oversight and abuse of power by military leaders.
It remains unclear whether the committee will issue the fresh summons, especially in light of the CDF's past defiance.