Senior Presidential Adviser Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, commonly known as Salim Saleh, has urged Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to brief Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao on the high profile cases involving opposition figures Dr. Kizza Besigye and Erias Lukwago.
Saleh’s handwritten note, dated June 28, 2026, was widely circulated on social media after it was shared by several accounts. Titled “The Lukwago Issue,” the memo emphasizes Mao’s responsibility as chairperson of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Human Rights and coordinator of the Justice, Law and Order Sector.
In the note, Saleh said Mao has a duty to provide the public with perspective on the case involving Besigye and “any of his accomplices.” He noted that the minister may not have access to information held by the military and intelligence agencies and should therefore be fully briefed before addressing public concerns.
“He has a duty to give a sense of perspectives to the public concerning the case of Dr. Besigye and any of his accomplices,” Saleh wrote. “He may not be privy to some of the military and intelligence agencies. It is therefore important that he is briefed so that he can in turn respond to any concerns from the public.”
The memo was copied to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and the Office of the Prime Minister.
Saleh’s intervention comes amid growing criticism over the continued detention of Besigye and the recent arrest of Lukwago.
Lukwago, a senior lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor, was arrested at his home in Wakaliga earlier this month as he prepared to serve court documents on Muhoozi in connection with a case filed by Besigye. He was later charged with misprision of treason and remanded to Luzira Prison, drawing condemnation from lawyers, opposition leaders and civil society organizations.
Besigye, a longtime political rival of President Yoweri Museveni and leader of the People’s Front for Freedom, has remained in detention on treason charges since he was reportedly abducted from Kenya and returned to Uganda in late 2024. His continued detention, together with Lukwago’s prosecution, has intensified accusations from critics that security agencies are targeting political opponents.
The cases have attracted widespread public attention and renewed debate over human rights, due process and the role of security agencies in politically sensitive prosecutions. Some political observers believe Saleh’s memo reflects concerns within government over growing public pressure and the need for a coordinated civilian response, with Mao expected to play a central role in communicating the government’s position.
Saleh, who is also the national coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation and a veteran of the National Resistance Army bush war, has long been regarded as one of the government’s influential behind the scenes figures.
Neither the Uganda People’s Defence Forces nor Muhoozi had publicly responded to the leaked memo by Monday.
The development has raised fresh questions about coordination between civilian leaders and security agencies, as well as the government’s approach to managing public concern over high profile political cases.
