Kampala — Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, commonly known as Salim Saleh, has directed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to brief Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao on the security operations and investigations involving opposition figures Dr. Kizza Besigye and Erias Lukwago.
The directive is contained in a handwritten communication dated June 28, 2026, in which Gen. Saleh said the Justice minister required sufficient information to respond to public concerns regarding the two high-profile cases.
In the note, Gen. Saleh observed that Mr Mao, who chairs the Cabinet Standing Committee on Human Rights, has a responsibility to explain the government’s position on matters attracting significant public interest.
“Hon. Mao, as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (Chair of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Human Rights), has a duty to give a sense of perspective to the public concerning the case of Dr. Besigye and any of his accomplices. He also has a duty to explain actions by state security agencies against certain individuals and organisations,” the note reads.
Gen. Saleh further stated that although Mr Mao coordinates the Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS), he may not have access to intelligence held by military and other security agencies.
“He is the coordinator of the JLOS. Since he may not be privy to some of the military and intelligence agencies, he needs a briefing so that he can in turn respond to any concerns from the public,” the communication adds.
The handwritten note concluded with the phrase “Aluta Continua.”
The directive comes amid heightened public attention surrounding the detention and prosecution of Dr. Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Dr. Besigye and Mr Lukwago are facing separate legal proceedings arising from allegations linked to national security. Both have denied wrongdoing.
By press time, neither the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs nor the Uganda People’s Defence Forces had issued an official statement on the directive or indicated when the briefing would take place.
The development is expected to enhance coordination between the security agencies and the Justice ministry as the government responds to growing public interest in the cases.
