The Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has said detained opposition politicians Dr Kizza Besigye and Erias Lukwago face prolonged detention, as security forces blocked access to the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) headquarters in Kampala ahead of a planned protest seeking Besigye’s release on medical grounds.
In posts on X on Tuesday, Gen Muhoozi said Dr Besigye, who was arrested in Nairobi in November 2024 and charged with treason-related offences, and Lukwago, who was detained in June 2026 and charged with misprision of treason, would remain in detention.
Gen Kainerugaba also mocked Dr Besigye over his previous criticism of the government, saying his detention was a form of divine intervention and claiming that he was receiving good medical care despite concerns raised by his family about his health.
The remarks came as police deployed heavily around the PFF headquarters on Katonga Road in Kampala, preventing party members and staff from accessing the offices ahead of a planned procession to the Judiciary headquarters.
Field Force Unit, anti-riot police and traffic officers were deployed along Katonga Road as early as 7am. A police patrol vehicle was stationed near Freeway Hotel, while another roadblock was mounted near the Tanzanian Embassy.
Police were also seen patrolling Mackinnon Road, Jaffer Lane and the Lugogo Bypass, with motorists and pedestrians using Katonga Road being directed to alternative routes.
George William Kaketo, a PFF staff member, told Uganda Radio Network that police stopped him at the roadblock and directed him to return home, saying the offices had been closed for the day.
Kaketo said he had reported early to prepare for the planned procession, which was expected to start at the PFF headquarters at 11am and proceed to the Judiciary headquarters to deliver a petition to Chief Justice Flavian Zeija.
The petition seeks Dr Besigye’s release on bail to enable him to obtain medical treatment outside prison. It also raises concerns about the handling of the cases involving Dr Besigye and Mr Lukwago.
“I don’t know if our leaders will come here or there is a change of programme,” Mr Kaketo said. “We were meant to set off from here in a peaceful way to the Judiciary headquarters to hand over our petition.”
Mr Kaketo said PFF had notified police about the planned procession through a letter dated September 7, 2026, signed by the party’s Deputy Secretary General Kennedy Okello.
The letter reportedly informed the Inspector General of Police that the procession would start at Katonga at 11am and proceed to the Chief Justice’s office.
Another PFF member who attempted to question officers about the blockade was reportedly pursued after police tried to arrest him, although he escaped.
The deployment has raised fresh concerns among opposition supporters over restrictions on political activities.
In 2025, police blocked a PFF procession led by Ingrid Turinawe and Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, which sought Dr Besigye’s release from Luzira Prison.
Security forces also sealed the FDC/PFF offices in Rukungiri District in February 2025, where supporters had gathered for prayers for Dr Besigye and his aide, Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya.
Police have previously defended restrictions on opposition activities on grounds of maintaining public order, while PFF has accused security agencies of suppressing the right to peaceful assembly.
Dr Besigye and Hajji Lutale were arrested in Nairobi on November 16, 2024, before being returned to Uganda and charged with treason-related offences. They have repeatedly been denied bail and remain on remand at Luzira Prison.
Lukwago, who is Dr Besigye’s lawyer and interim PFF chairman, was arrested at his Wakaliga home in Kampala on June 15, 2026. He was charged with misprision of treason over allegations that he failed to report plans to commit treason and was also remanded to Luzira.
The cases have also triggered concerns about the health of the two opposition figures.
On August 28, Dr Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, said he had been transferred to the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) after dark and was weak and struggling to walk and speak.
Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine later confirmed on September 1 that Dr Besigye and Lukwago had been evacuated to JCRC for medical attention, but said they were stable.
The heavy security deployment around the PFF offices has cast uncertainty over whether the planned procession to the Judiciary headquarters will proceed.
