Erias Lukwago Didn't Last 5 Minutes in the Basement. His Holiday With Afande Saleh Is Over. I'm Going to Take Hold of Him Again. He Can Start Crying Again – Gen Muhoozi Fumes

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has renewed his verbal attacks against former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, issuing a fresh statement that has attracted attention amid concerns about the opposition politician’s health and detention.

In a post shared on social media, Muhoozi said Lukwago had failed to last five minutes in what he called the “basement,” before declaring that his alleged holiday with Gen Salim Saleh was over.

“Lukwago did not last 5 minutes in the basement. His holiday with Afande Saleh is over. I'm going to take hold of him again. He can start crying again,” Muhoozi wrote.

The statement has raised fresh questions about the military chief’s reference to taking hold of Lukwago again. Muhoozi did not provide further details in the post explaining what action he intended to take or what he meant by the reference to Saleh.

Lukwago, a prominent opposition politician and lawyer who leads the People’s Front for Freedom, was arrested at his home in Kampala on June 15, 2026. His arrest followed an operation by security personnel, after which he was reportedly held at an undisclosed location before being taken to court.

The former Lord Mayor was subsequently charged with misprision of treason, an offence linked to allegations that a person failed to report knowledge of treason. Lukwago denies the accusation, and the charge remains an allegation rather than a conviction.

Muhoozi’s latest remarks come as Lukwago’s legal team has raised concerns about his health and sought his release on bail to enable him to receive specialised medical care. His lawyer, Medard Lubega Sseggona, previously said his client’s condition had deteriorated and that he needed urgent attention.

The exchange has renewed public debate about the treatment of opposition figures, the role of the military in civilian affairs and the importance of protecting legal rights during criminal proceedings. Muhoozi’s statement does not, by itself, establish that a new arrest or detention has taken place or that further action has been officially announced.