KAMPALA, Uganda – Former Kira Municipality Member of Parliament Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has challenged Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, telling Ugandans not to live in fear of powerful individuals because no one is immortal.
Ssemujju’s remarks followed an exchange on social media in which he criticized Gen. Muhoozi over the detention of former Kampala Lord Mayor and lawyer Erias Lukwago. The outspoken politician claimed that threats of arrest should not intimidate citizens from speaking out against what they believe to be abuses of power.
According to Ssemujju, while leaders may wield significant authority, ultimate power over life and death belongs to God, and all individuals, regardless of status, are subject to mortality.
The comments come amid growing political tension surrounding the arrest and detention of Erias Lukwago, who serves as lead defence counsel for opposition veteran Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Lukwago was reportedly taken into custody by security operatives from his residence in Wakaliga, Kampala, shortly after efforts were made to serve legal documents on Gen. Muhoozi in a case filed by Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale.
The High Court recently directed Gen. Muhoozi to file a defence within seven days in response to a petition linked to allegations surrounding Besigye’s arrest in Kenya and subsequent statements attributed to the military chief.
The controversy intensified after Gen. Muhoozi shared a photograph on social media showing a blindfolded Lukwago in detention, describing the location as a “basement.” The post sparked criticism from opposition leaders, lawyers, and human rights activists.
Following his condemnation of the incident, Ssemujju said he was informed of threats that he could also face arrest.
Responding to the warning, the former legislator maintained that he would not be intimidated and urged Ugandans to remain vigilant in defending constitutional rights and accountability.
“Muhoozi can arrest me if he wants, but that does not make him immortal,” Ssemujju said.
Drawing comparisons to past political events, Ssemujju argued that powerful leaders and military figures eventually face the same realities of life as ordinary citizens.
He emphasized that while anyone can experience fear, pain, or persecution, citizens should not surrender their freedoms because of threats from those in authority.
Ssemujju further argued that public officials, including military leaders, are accountable to the people they serve and must exercise their powers within the framework of the law.
“Let people stop being excessively afraid of Muhoozi. He has a duty to serve Ugandans, not his personal interests. Taxpayers pay him, and they have every right to hold him accountable,” he said.
The remarks have added to the growing political debate surrounding Lukwago’s detention, opposition rights, and the role of security agencies in Uganda’s political landscape.
As discussions continue, opposition leaders and civil society groups have renewed calls for respect for the rule of law, transparency, and the protection of civil liberties.
Neither Gen. Muhoozi nor the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had formally responded to Ssemujju’s latest comments by the time of publication.
