BIG STORY: Gen Saleh Steps In, Writes To Muhoozi Over Lukwago, Besigye Saga!

By Swift Reporter 

Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, popularly known as Salim Saleh, has directed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to provide Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao with a comprehensive briefing on the security operations and investigations involving opposition figures Dr. Kizza Besigye and Erias Lukwago.

In a brief handwritten communication dated June 28, 2026, Saleh emphasized that Mao, as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Chairperson of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Human Rights, has both a legal and political obligation to explain the circumstances surrounding the detention of Dr. Besigye, “any of his accomplices,” and the actions undertaken by state security agencies.

“Hon. Mao as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (Chair of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Human Rights) has a duty to give a sense of perspectives to the public concerning the case of Dr. Besigye and any of his accomplices. He also has a duty to explain actions by state security agencies against certain individuals and organisations,” Saleh wrote.

Saleh further noted that while Mao coordinates the Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS), he may not have access to intelligence gathered by military and security agencies, making an official briefing necessary.

“He is the coordinator of the JLOS. Since he may not be privy to some of military & intel agencies, he needs a briefing so that he can in turn respond to any concerns from the public,” the note added.

The communication concluded with Saleh’s trademark sign-off, “Aluta Continua,” instead of a conventional signature.

The directive comes at a time of public scrutiny over the arrests and continued detention of Dr. Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

Saleh’s directive is expected to strengthen coordination between the security establishment and the Justice Ministry by ensuring that Minister Mao is fully briefed on the cases, enabling him to address public concerns and explain the government’s position on the high-profile investigations.