Former government spokesman Ofwono Opondo has urged Muhoozi Kainerugaba to address allegations of abductions and military detention.
Former government spokesman Ofwono Opondo has urged Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to address allegations surrounding military conduct and seek public support rather than fear.
Opondo made the remarks in an opinion piece published Oct. 4, in which he also discussed alleged abductions, disappearances and detention of civilians at military facilities.
He linked the concerns to remarks recently made in Parliament by Gen. (rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, a longtime National Resistance Movement figure and serving elected politician.
According to Opondo, Otafiire’s intervention came after a three-month absence from Parliament sittings following the swearing-in ceremony on May 15. Otafiire did not name specific individuals, but Opondo said his comments were understood by some listeners as a reference to recent allegations involving government critics and others.
Opondo also questioned Muhoozi’s reported involvement in partisan politics while serving as an active-duty military officer. He argued that the issue should be addressed because of its potential implications for Muhoozi, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the government.
The former government spokesman referred to a video attributed to UPDF soldier Lt. Herbert Mabonga Matanda, which he said contained allegations about torture facilities. The claims in the video were not independently verified in the material reviewed for this report.
Opondo further raised concerns about social media activity associated with Muhoozi, saying it had appeared to acknowledge some allegations involving arrests and detention of civilians at military facilities.
He called on Muhoozi to respond to the allegations and protect his public reputation.
Opondo also addressed reports that Muhoozi’s supporters are promoting his possible bid for the presidency in 2031. He said Muhoozi should restrain supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda, commonly known as PLU, from engaging in intolerance.
He compared the situation to the history of political youth groups and parties that he said had declined after periods of political activity.
The comments come as public discussion continues around Muhoozi’s political ambitions and his role as UPDF commander. Opondo’s piece did not provide independent evidence establishing the allegations he raised.
