By Aggrey Baba
People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Deputy President Lulume Bayiga has challenged Chief of Defense Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to submit to the authority of the courts, insisting that its shameful for the CDF to evade legal accountability by targeting lawyers involved in cases against him.
Speaking at the PFF headquarters in Katonga on Monday following the dramatic arrest of party president, also former Kampala city lord mayor Erias Lukwago, Bayiga accused security operatives intimidating those pursuing legal action against the Muhoozi.
According to the former Buikwe South MP, arresting or harassing individuals connected to ongoing court proceedings does not alter the legal obligations arising from those cases, arguing that the judicial process must be allowed to run its course regardless of the status of the people involved.
“You can run, but you can’t hide,” Bayiga said, directly addressing Gen Muhoozi, further adding that when you go to Lukwago’s home and kidnap him, doesn’t top the legal process, and the cases that require you to answer before court.
Dr. Lulume suggested that Lukwago’s arrest was linked to efforts by a team of lawyers to serve court documents on the CDF following a recent ruling by Justice Emmanuel Baguma requiring Gen Muhoozi to appear in court in relation to a human rights enforcement application filed by detained opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Bayiga argued that no public official, regardless of rank, office or family background, should consider themselves above the law, because, according to him, court orders are binding on all citizens and leaders, and should be respected if confidence in the justice system is to be maintained.
“Justice Baguma made a verdict that Muhoozi should appear before him. He is not above the law. If you say you want to become President after your father, yet you are intimidated by a simple court summons, then what kind of President will you be?” Lulume added.
He also questioned why a court order requiring an appearance before a judge should trigger heavy-handed actions against a lawyer carrying out his duties.
Lulume said the circumstances surrounding the PFF leader’s arrest has created concern among opposition supporters and legal practitioners, who view such incidents as potentially undermining the independence of the legal process.
He claimed the developments raise a lot of questions about the state of governance and respect for the rule of law in Uganda. Drawing comparisons with Uganda’s past regimes, Bayiga said the country was witnessing actions that many Ugandans associate with periods of political intolerance.
“People used to say Idi Amin was mad because of the things that happened during his time. If similar things are happening today, during Museveni’s reign , fifty years later, then Ugandans have a right to ask who is more mad than the other,” Lulume said.
He added that Ugandans should be free to question government actions without fear, noting that accountability and transparency are essential elements of democratic governance.
Bayiga also called on the Uganda Law Society, civil society organizations (CSOs), the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, religious leaders and other stakeholders to condemn Lukwago’s arrest and demand his immediate release.
In his remarks, he urged institutions that promote justice and human rights to speak out, saying their intervention would help safeguard constitutional principles and protect the rights of citizens.
He further appealed to President Museveni to intervene personally and ensure that the PFF president regains his freedom.
“We call upon Museveni to rise to his son and ensure that our party president is released today,” Bayiga said.
By press time, PFF officials, including Salaam Musumba, Ssemujju Nganda, and Dr. Michael Lulume Bayiga maintained that they didn’t know Lukwago’s whereabouts, further expressing concern about his safety following his arrest by men dressed in military uniforms [security operatives] in the early morning of Monday, June 15, 2026. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
