NAMUNKEKEERA LUWEERO: 29 JUNE 2026 — In a move aimed at addressing growing public anxiety, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Defense, Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho aka Salim Saleh (Rtd), has urged the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to briefs the Ministry of Justice on ongoing treason cases against Opposition figures; Dr Kizza Besigye, Erias Lukwago and others..
In a handwritten note inscribed in ink, Gen. Saleh, a revered veteran of the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) and the National Resistance Army (NRA), called for immediate institutional coordination regarding the state’s handling of opposition figures, tasking the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Norbert Mao, to undertake the responsibility of communicating the position of government on such matters.
Widely recognized for his mediation skills, Gen. Saleh serves as the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), his latest guidance emphasizes the need for transparency and public accountability during sensitive security operations.
In his communication to Gen. Kainerugaba, the retired General stressed that the public deserves clear answers, pointing to Hon. Norbert Mao, as the appropriate official to deliver them. However, Saleh noted that the justice ministry requires a comprehensive security update to effectively fulfill this role.
“Hon. Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice & Constitutional Affairs… has a duty to the public concerning the case of Dr. Kizza Besigye and any of his accomplices,” Gen. Saleh stated. “He also has a duty to explain actions by the state security agencies against certain individuals and organizations.” Gen. Saleh acknowledged that because the Justice Minister may not be privy to classified military intelligence, a direct briefing from the military leadership is essential.
”He needs a briefing so that he can in turn respond to any public concerns,” Saleh added.
The intervention comes amid heightened public interest and legal scrutiny surrounding the treason charges faced by Dr. Besigye and his associates, the arrested and detention of his legal counsel Erias Lukwago and the deportation of Besigye’s head of legal team SC Martha Karua early last week.
By pushing for a formal briefing between the CDF and the Justice Minister—who also chairs the Cabinet Standing Committee on Human Rights—Gen. Saleh aims to bridge the gap between military intelligence operations and public constitutional accountability.
The defense ministry and the office of the CDF have yet to issue a formal response regarding the scheduling of the briefing.
