By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
President Museveni’s son also the Chief of Defense Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has said they will hang opposition leader, Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye on Heroes Day.
In a post shared on his X handle on January 16, the first son said a “tree of traitors” awaits Besigye in Gulu.
“We will hang KB (Dr Besigye’s known initials) on Heroes’ Day. That’s the best day for him to die,” Muhoozi posted on X.
“And then we will arrest anybody who has ever spoke ill of Afande Saleh in government.” He added.
When you are done, I will honour and bury a true hero of Uganda and Africa – Winnie Byanyima to Muhoozi over Besigye’s execution threats
Marked on June 6, the national heroes day is celebrated by the government of Uganda to commemorate the efforts of men and women who sacrificed their lives during the Luweero guerilla warfare that brought President Museveni to power. Dr. Kizza Besigye was one of the individuals who fought alongside Museveni during the bush war. However, he later broke away to form a separate political party, accusing Museveni of betraying the principles that had motivated their struggle.
He is currently detained in Luzira Upper Prison on treacherous charges which were slapped against him in the General Court Martial. Besigye is being accused together with Haji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya and a serving army officer Dennis Ola who was recently added on their case by the updf prosecutor.
In response to Muhoozi’s post, Kampala Lord Mayor and lawyer to Dr. Kizza Besigye, Ssalongo Erias Lukwago said that Gen. Muhoozi’s remarks highlight lack of independence of the court-martial.
“Gen. Muhoozi is simply confirming that the General Court Martial is just executing the role of Pontius Pilate in the Regime’s nefarious scheme of dragging Dr. Besigye to the guillotine or firing squad!!!. But I hope Gen Museveni and family members are well acquainted with the scripture about the demise of King Herod’s Empire,” Lukwago said.
This is not the first time Museveni’s son issues public threats against opposition politicians in Uganda, foreign figures and neighbouring states.
In recent weeks, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, expressed a desire to behead Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP). He suggested that only his father, referred to as “Mzee,” was preventing him from carrying out the act. Bobi Wine responded by expressing concern, citing previous attempts on his life.
In December 2024, Kainerugaba threatened to “capture Khartoum” with the support of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. These remarks prompted Sudan to demand an official apology from Uganda, describing the comments as “offensive and dangerous.”
Muhoozi had previously (October 2022), threatened to invade Kenya and capture Nairobi within three days, leading to a diplomatic incident. His father later apologized to Kenyan government for his son’s remarks.
The UNAIDS Executive Director, Eng. Winnie Byanyima, wife to Dr. Kizza Besigye criticized Gen. Muhoozi’s remarks condemning her husband to death by hanging, arguing that the current charges faced by her husband are politically motivated by Museveni and his son who have monopoly over the military court where Besigye is being tried.
Nevertheless, Byanyima did not express fears over Muhoozi’s intimidations and insisted she would attend the hanging ceremony and later on bury her husband in a heroic send-off.
“I do not expect justice. I will watch this travesty of justice at the sham military court and I will attend the hanging you have planned. When you are done, I will honour and bury a true hero of Uganda and Africa. The struggle for our rights, for equality and justice will continue. Gakyali Mabaga!”
It’s noteworthy that Kainerugaba has a history of making provocative statements on social media, which the Ugandan government has previously downplayed as casual comments not reflective of official policy.
