National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has launched a strong attack against Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba following the arrest of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, accusing the army chief of using power to avoid facing people through open debate and fair engagement.
Bobi Wine made the remarks while reacting to Gen Muhoozi’s statement in which he appeared to celebrate Lukwago’s troubles, saying that the opposition figure “had this coming” and warning that “we haven’t started on him yet.”
The comments from both sides have intensified the political debate surrounding the treatment of opposition leaders and the role of powerful state figures in Uganda’s political affairs.
In his response, Bobi Wine accused Gen Muhoozi of lacking the courage to face his critics openly, arguing that disagreements should be settled through ideas, public discussions and democratic engagement rather than arrests and force.
“This only exposes your mental and physical inadequacies. You’re nothing but a sadistic coward who can’t face anyone ‘man to man,’ neither in a logical public debate nor in a fair physical fight,” Bobi Wine stated.
The NUP leader suggested that Gen Muhoozi’s actions against political opponents demonstrated weakness rather than strength, arguing that true leadership requires the ability to tolerate criticism and respond with arguments.
Bobi Wine has repeatedly accused security agencies of targeting opposition figures, claiming that arrests and intimidation are being used to silence voices critical of government.
The latest exchange follows Gen Muhoozi’s remarks about Erias Lukwago, where he said the Lord Mayor’s current situation was expected and had been building for a long time.
“Erias Lukwago had this coming, it was a long time coming. We haven’t started on him yet,” Gen Muhoozi said in a message directed at Hon. Otto, a statement that attracted widespread reactions.
Lukwago, who has served as Kampala Lord Mayor for several years, has remained one of the most vocal opposition politicians in Uganda, frequently challenging government decisions and raising concerns about governance.
His political career has been marked by repeated confrontations with authorities, including disputes over Kampala city administration and broader national political issues.
Bobi Wine argued that instead of using security power against opponents, leaders should be willing to sit down and defend their positions before the public.
He said Uganda needs leaders who can engage in meaningful discussions and accept criticism as part of a democratic society.
The remarks have generated mixed reactions, with supporters of Bobi Wine praising him for defending political freedoms, while Gen Muhoozi’s supporters argue that leaders must also be held accountable for their actions and statements.
The confrontation between the two prominent figures adds to the growing political tensions in Uganda, where opposition leaders and government officials have continued to exchange strong accusations.
Gen Muhoozi has increasingly become a central figure in national political conversations, with his statements often attracting major public attention.
Bobi Wine, meanwhile, remains one of the leading opposition voices in the country and has consistently criticized what he describes as the shrinking space for political competition.
The debate over Lukwago’s arrest and the statements surrounding it has once again raised questions about democracy, freedom of expression and the relationship between security institutions and political actors.
Political observers say the exchange reflects the wider struggle between those demanding stronger government accountability and those defending the actions of state authorities.
As reactions continue, many Ugandans are watching closely to see whether the confrontation between Bobi Wine and Gen Muhoozi will lead to further exchanges or become part of a larger political debate.
For now, the war of words between the two leaders highlights the deep divisions within Uganda’s political landscape and the ongoing battle over how power, criticism and opposition should be handled.
