On June 15, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, caused a shockwave on social media by boasting about having abducted opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he stated: "Proud of all the pain and suffering I will inflict."

This statement immediately provoked outrage both nationally and internationally. Erias Lukwago, former mayor of Kampala and a human rights lawyer, is an emblematic figure of the opposition in Uganda. His abduction, which reportedly occurred while he was returning home after a meeting at his law firm, has been described by his supporters as an intimidation attempt orchestrated by the ruling regime.

According to witnesses cited by local media, Lukwago was apprehended by unidentified armed men who forced him into a vehicle. He could only be reached four hours later, leaving a climate of fear among opposition members and human rights defenders.

General Kainerugaba's provocative statements are not an isolated incident. In December 2021, writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija was also a victim of violent arrest after criticizing the president's son on social media. He is now a refugee in Germany after suffering abuse during his detention.

International organizations such as Amnesty International have condemned these actions as violations of fundamental rights and freedom of expression. In a statement, Amnesty called for the immediate release of all individuals arrested for their political opinions and urged the Ugandan government to end the systematic repression of dissenting voices.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who also holds significant military positions as commander of the Ugandan army's land forces, is often seen as a potential successor to his father. His actions and reckless rhetoric raise questions about Uganda's political future and the consolidation of power within the Museveni family.

As the country prepares for the upcoming general elections scheduled for 2026, tensions between the regime and the opposition appear to be intensifying. Recent incidents only exacerbate an already tense climate where human rights are often violated in the name of national security.