KAMPALA – A section of Ugandans has welcomed a recent memo reportedly written by Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, popularly known as Gen. Salim Saleh, calling for the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to be involved in ongoing security operations concerning opposition figures Dr. Kizza Besigye and Erias Lukwago.
The memo, dated June 28, 2026, was reportedly addressed to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, requesting that the CDF engage the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, in matters relating to the two opposition leaders.
According to the memo, Mao, who also chairs the Cabinet Standing Committee on Human Rights, has both a legal and political responsibility to explain government actions and provide the public with perspective on sensitive security matters.
The development has generated discussion among some members of the public, with supporters describing the move as a step toward strengthening the rule of law and improving transparency in government.
Several residents who spoke to this publication said the intervention demonstrates Gen. Saleh’s commitment to ensuring constitutional institutions play their respective roles in matters of national importance.
Speaking in Kampala, Dan Mukasa, an NRM local politician in Rubaga, said Gen. Saleh’s approach reflects humility and statesmanship despite his perceived influence within government.
“His ability to use dialogue and institutional processes rather than raw authority shows political maturity. It reinforces his image as a leader who values stability and constitutional order,” Mukasa said.
Gen. Saleh, who serves as the National Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, reportedly requested that Minister Mao be fully briefed on security operations involving Dr. Besigye and Mr. Lukwago.
The request is understood to have followed a petition from Mao expressing concern that the Ministry of Justice had not been adequately involved in investigations and security operations relating to the two opposition figures.
In the handwritten memo, Gen. Saleh reportedly stated that the Minister of Justice has a duty to explain actions taken by state security agencies and provide clarity to the public regarding ongoing cases.
The memo reportedly reads:
“Hon. Mao, as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, 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.”
Gen. Saleh also reportedly noted that the minister may not currently have access to intelligence information held by military and security agencies, despite his responsibility for coordinating the Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS).
Supporters of the move argue that involving the Justice Ministry would help improve public confidence by ensuring government actions are properly communicated and understood.
The memo was reportedly signed off with the phrase “Aluta Continua,” a slogan frequently associated with Gen. Saleh.
The development comes amid continued public debate over the arrest and detention of Dr. Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Commenting on the broader political environment, Buyinza Adam Luzindana, a former National Vice Chairman of the NRM Youth League for Kampala Region and former member of the party’s National Executive Council, described Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba as a leader who is often misunderstood.
Luzindana said Muhoozi has a strong sense of humour but believes his military upbringing may have limited his interaction with ordinary civilians.
He urged Ugandans to engage constructively with the CDF instead of provoking unnecessary confrontation, saying such an approach would promote national unity.
Meanwhile, the legal cases involving the two opposition leaders continue to attract public attention.
Dr. Besigye was charged before the General Court Martial with offences linked to national security, a move that has attracted criticism from some legal experts and human rights organisations.
Erias Lukwago was also arrested by military personnel following remarks critical of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba before later being charged with misprision of treason at the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court. His lawyers have challenged both the charges and the legality of his initial military detention.
As debate over the cases continues, supporters of Gen. Saleh say his intervention underscores the importance of involving constitutional institutions in matters of national security and justice, arguing that greater transparency and adherence to the rule of law remain essential for maintaining public confidence.
