Gen Saleh To CDF: Brief Mao On Besigye, Lukwago Cases

KAMPALA, Uganda — Senior Presidential Advisor for Defence and Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho aka Salim Saleh (Rtd), has advised the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, that Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao should be fully briefed on the cases involving Dr. Kizza Besigye, Erias Lukwago and others to enable him address growing public concerns.

In a handwritten note dated June 28, 2026, addressed to the CDF, Gen. Saleh said Mao, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Human Rights, has a responsibility to explain the actions taken by state security agencies.

“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 perspectives to the public concerning the case of Dr. Besigye and any of his accomplices,” Saleh wrote.

The veteran bush war commander noted that while Mao has an obligation to communicate government positions, he may not have access to classified military intelligence surrounding the matter.

“He also has a duty to explain actions by state security agencies against certain individuals and organisations. He is the coordinator of these issues. Since he may not be privy to some of the military and intelligence information, he needs a briefing so that he can in turn respond to any concerns from the public,” the note reads.

The note was copied to the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and the Office of the Prime Minister.

Saleh’s intervention comes amid sustained public debate surrounding the detention and prosecution of Dr. Kizza Besigye, Lord Mayor Emeritus Erias Lukwago and other individuals, with opposition supporters and rights groups demanding greater transparency from the government.

Gen. Saleh is one of Uganda’s most influential military figures, having served as a freedom fighter in the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) and the National Resistance Army (NRA). Widely known as the “Chief Government Listener,” he currently serves as Senior Presidential Advisor for Defence and Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, Uganda’s flagship civil-military socio-economic transformation programme.

His remarks suggest that improved coordination and communication between security agencies and civilian government officials could help address public concerns over sensitive security-related cases.