The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has petitioned the High Court to dismiss allegations by jailed opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye that he threatened to hang him, describing the claims as speculative and based on hearsay.

In an affidavit sworn on his behalf by Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Atwine, the Head of the UPDF Special Investigations Bureau, Gen Muhoozi argues that Dr. Besigye’s application contains falsehoods and misrepresents the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention on treason charges.

Lt Col Atwine states that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) acted on intelligence reports indicating that Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, were allegedly engaged in activities deemed a threat to national security. He adds that investigations were initiated on suspicion of treason.

According to the affidavit, the alleged activities included coordinating with individuals inside and outside Uganda to mobilize, recruit, train, and acquire arms with the aim of overthrowing the government.

The filing responds to a human rights enforcement application by Dr. Besigye and Hajji Lutale, in which they accuse Gen Muhoozi, two UPDF officers, and the Attorney General of violating their constitutional rights.

They cite alleged unlawful arrest in Nairobi, illegal detention, and public threats reportedly made on social media.

Gen Muhoozi, alongside the Attorney General and the implicated UPDF officers, is now asking the High Court to dismiss the application and allow the criminal trial to proceed.

The matter is set for hearing on June 30 before Justice Emmanuel Baguma, who will hear arguments from both sides.

By Charles Katabalwa

2rd June 2026

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