Lawyer Gawaya Tegule, has filed a petition in the Constitutional Court challenging the promotions and appointments of several key figures in Uganda’s first family, including First Lady Janet Museveni, First Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and President Yoweri Museveni’s brother, Gen Salim Saleh.
Tegule argues that the promotion of Gen Muhoozi from Lieutenant General to General in October 2022 was unconstitutional.
He claims the promotion occurred despite Muhoozi’s controversial conduct, which led to his removal as Commander of the Land Forces due to actions deemed scandalous to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and harmful to national and regional security.
The lawyer further challenges the March 2024 appointment of Gen Muhoozi as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), arguing that it contradicts Uganda’s Constitution, particularly Articles 208 (2) and (3), which mandate that the UPDF remain non-partisan and professional.
“The appointment of Gen Muhoozi as CDF, after previously being relieved of his duties as Commander of Land Forces due to scandalous conduct, is anti-competitive and unconstitutional,” Tegule stated.
Tegule also pointed to Muhoozi’s controversial tweets on X (formerly Twitter), where he professed his presidential ambitions and made partisan remarks, including attacks on his brother-in-law, Odrek Rwabwogo.
The lawyer claims these actions violate UPDF conduct regulations and further contravene the Constitution.
Moreover, Tegule raised concerns about Muhoozi’s involvement in the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and its predecessor, the MK Movement, where he is openly fronted as a leader.
The lawyer argues this constitutes partisan political activity, which is inconsistent with Articles 2 and 208 of the Constitution, as Muhoozi is still a serving army officer.
The petition also targets Gen Salim Saleh, accusing him of wielding executive power and accessing state resources without a formal designation. Tegule claims this amounts to “state capture” and violates the Constitution.
Tegule has called for the revocation of Muhoozi’s current rank and urged a review of his entire military career, with a recommendation for him to return to the rank of Lieutenant General.
He has also demanded that the office of CDF be declared vacant and filled by an officer chosen based on competence, rather than family connections.
Additionally, Tegule has requested that the PLU be dissolved unless Muhoozi relinquishes his military commission and formally enters politics as a civilian.
He also seeks a court order requiring the First Lady, who also serves as Minister of Education and Sports, to attend parliamentary sessions and account for the state resources her office manages. Gen Saleh, according to Tegule, should explain his authority to use state funds and his role in wielding power without an official designation
