Journalist and lawyer Gideon Tugume has publicly apologised to Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba following his release after spending two weeks in detention.
Tugume was arrested earlier this month after making controversial remarks during a live Radio 4 programme in which he questioned whether Gen. Muhoozi was President Yoweri Museveni’s biological son and suggested that a DNA test be conducted.
Appearing on Radio 4 on Friday, Tugume retracted the remarks and appealed to the Chief of Defence Forces for forgiveness.
“Generally, Gen. Muhoozi is my brother. I respect you and I respect your parents. I have no problem with you, and I ask you to forgive me so that we can move on,” Tugume said.
He said the comments were made while he was under immense personal and financial pressure, which he said had affected his judgment.
“The truth is that my life has not been easy, and sometimes that can make someone say things they should never have said,” he said.
Tugume said he has struggled to provide for his family, revealing that he has four children whose school fees and basic needs have become increasingly difficult to meet.
“I have failed to pay school fees for my children. Sometimes I cannot even afford to buy them bread. I have four children, and the pressure has been overwhelming,” he said.
He also spoke about his prolonged unemployment despite his academic qualifications.
“I hold three degrees and a diploma, yet I have never secured permanent employment. I am the son of a war veteran, and at 52 years old, I fear I may retire without achieving anything meaningful. Such stress can push someone into making regrettable statements,” he said.
Tugume appealed directly to Gen. Muhoozi for financial assistance.
“I come from Ruhaama in Ntungamo District, and I hope Gen. Muhoozi can hear my cry. Beyond apologising, I ask him to help me financially because my situation is very difficult,” he said.
He also disclosed that he is battling several illnesses, including diabetes, cancer and ulcers, which he said have worsened his financial challenges.
“I suffer from diabetes, cancer and ulcers. At one point, I was admitted to hospital but failed to raise Shs2 million to clear my medical bill until Stanley organised a fundraiser to help me,” Tugume said.
Tugume was arrested on July 6 at his home in Gayaza, Wakiso District, following the comments made during the live Radio 4 broadcast.
During the period he was held, his family, lawyers and fellow journalists repeatedly called on authorities to disclose his whereabouts, while rights advocates raised concerns about his detention.
His public apology comes days after his release, bringing to a close a case that attracted widespread public attention and debate.
