Kampala, Uganda – Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has made a dramatic public call for the arrest of State Minister for Lands, Dr. Sam Mayanja — a move that is likely to spark fresh political tension within the government of his father, President Yoweri Museveni.
Gen. Muhoozi made the explosive remarks on social media, where he openly accused the Minister of wrongdoing, although he did not provide detailed charges. His statement has caught many by surprise, especially coming from a top-ranking military officer and presidential advisor.
“I am instructing for the immediate arrest of Dr. Sam Mayanja,” Gen. Muhoozi wrote. “He has crossed the line. This impunity must stop.”
Who is Dr. Sam Mayanja?
Dr. Sam Mayanja is a seasoned lawyer, a published author, and a known Pentecostal pastor. He was appointed as Minister of State for Lands in 2021 and has since been involved in several controversial land-related decisions and legal disputes.
Most notably, he has had a longstanding clash with the Buganda Kingdom, particularly over the Kaazi land in Busabala, which he declared to be public land, challenging the kingdom’s ownership claims. This pronouncement was met with sharp resistance from Mengo, the administrative seat of Buganda, which insists that the land belongs to the kingdom as part of its returned assets under the traditional institution restoration framework.
Additionally, Dr. Mayanja has been entangled in legal disputes involving the Uganda Scouts Association, allegedly attempting to wrest control of land belonging to the association — a matter that is still pending before courts of law.
Implications of Muhoozi’s Order
Gen. Muhoozi’s call for Dr. Mayanja’s arrest raises serious legal and political questions. As a serving minister, Dr. Mayanja cannot be arrested or prosecuted without due process — including clearance from the President or Parliament depending on the charges. It’s also unclear whether Muhoozi’s directive holds any legal weight in this matter.
Some political analysts say this move could signal deepening divisions within the ruling establishment, especially between powerful figures in the military and key cabinet members. Others view it as Muhoozi flexing his growing influence as the PLU chairman and a likely successor to his father’s leadership.
“This public fallout could damage the NRM’s image ahead of 2026,” one observer noted. “It also sends a chilling message to other ministers who may cross paths with Gen. Muhoozi or his allies.”
As of now, Dr. Mayanja has not issued a public response to the arrest call, and the government has not officially commented on the development.
This unfolding saga adds to the list of high-profile controversies surrounding land management, kingdom-government relations, and internal government rifts that continue to shape Uganda’s political landscape.
