Gen Muhoozi Vows That Kizza Besigye Will Never Get Bail, He Will Have To Pay For His Crimes

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has declared that opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago will never get bail, insisting that they will have to answer for the crimes they are accused of committing.

In a series of posts on X on September 15, 2026, Muhoozi made strong remarks about the two opposition figures, who are facing separate cases linked to alleged treason offences. “Besigye and Lukwago will never get bail. They will pay for their crimes!” he wrote.

Muhoozi’s comments have drawn attention because decisions on bail are made by courts, based on the applicable law and the circumstances of each case. His statement expressed his position on the matter, but it does not itself determine whether either accused person can be granted bail.

The army chief also challenged the widely reported account that Besigye served as President Yoweri Museveni’s personal doctor during the 1981–1986 Bush War. Muhoozi instead claimed that the late Dr Bata treated Museveni during the period, although he did not provide further details to support his account.

Besigye has long been described as Museveni’s personal physician during the bush war. Museveni has also previously recounted an incident in which Besigye gave him oral rehydration salts after he became exhausted. Muhoozi’s latest comments therefore raise questions about the differing accounts of the historical relationship.

Muhoozi also addressed concerns about Besigye’s health while in detention, claiming that the opposition politician was receiving the best medical attention in Uganda. He warned that he would arrest anyone who claimed otherwise. Concerns about Besigye’s health had previously attracted public attention after the High Court heard that he had been hospitalised.

In another post, Muhoozi referred to his past relationship with Besigye, recalling that the opposition politician used to call him a “boy.” He added that the situation had changed and said Besigye was not going anywhere. He also denied personally capturing Besigye, attributing the politician’s detention to God.

Meanwhile, Lukwago was reportedly arrested on June 15, 2026, and charged with misprision of treason over allegations that he knew about an alleged plot involving Besigye and Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya but failed to report it. Lukwago denied the charge, while Besigye, Lutale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola are facing treason charges over an alleged plot to overthrow the government. The cases remain before the courts, and the allegations have yet to be determined through the judicial process.