REVEALED: Museveni Son-in-law Visited Veteran Journalist Accused of Hating First Family in Prison

Many days after walking out of Luzira Prison on bail, veteran Ugandan journalist and political commentator Timothy Kalyegira has disclosed an unexpected episode from his detention: a prison visit by Odrek Rwabwogo, the businessman married to President Yoweri Museveni’s daughter, Patience Museveni Rwabwogo.

The revelation, made in a brief post on X on July 10, has reignited discussion about Kalyegira’s arrest and detention, particularly because he says the question put to him after his arrest was not about broadcasting licences—the charges he later faced in court—but about his perceived attitude toward Uganda’s First Family.

Kalyegira had disappeared on June 26 after being picked up by security operatives, prompting days of anxiety among journalists, lawyers and human rights activists who said they did not know where he was being held. His whereabouts remained unknown until June 29, when he was produced before the Kira Chief Magistrate’s Court.

The veteran commentator, who has written extensively on Ugandan politics and governance and has contributed to the Daily Monitor, was charged with two counts of broadcasting without a licence contrary to Section 28(1) and (2) of the Uganda Communications Act.

According to the charge sheet, prosecutors allege that between 2013 and 2026 he operated The Kampala Express without a broadcasting licence issued by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). A second count alleges that between 2014 and 2026 he operated The Uganda Record, an online publication platform known for political commentary, without the required licence. Kalyegira denied both charges.

Following his plea, Chief Magistrate Shallon Niwaha remanded him to Luzira Prison. His detention drew criticism from press freedom organisations, which questioned both the circumstances of his arrest and the decision to keep him on remand while investigations continued.

On July 3, the same court granted Kalyegira bail after finding his sureties substantial. Each surety executed a non-cash bond of Shs10 million, and the case was adjourned to August 4 for mention. During the bail proceedings, state prosecutors opposed his release, arguing, among other things, that his social media following could potentially influence witnesses.

It was only days later after regaining his freedom that Kalyegira publicly revealed what he says transpired before he was ever taken to court.

In a post on X, he wrote: “On June 26, I was arrested and driven in an SFC drone to a basement. Reason? “Why do you hate the First Family?”

“On July 1, my friend Odrek Rwabwogo visited me at Luzira prison and also brought greetings from his wife Patience, President Museveni’s daughter. So, there we are.”

The statement is significant for two reasons. First, Kalyegira claims the initial question posed to him by his captors centred on his relationship with the First Family rather than the broadcasting offences that later formed the basis of the criminal charges in court.

Second, he says that while on remand, he received a visit from Rwabwogo, one of Uganda’s most prominent businessmen and President Museveni’s son-in-law, who also conveyed greetings from Patience Museveni Rwabwogo.

Neither Rwabwogo, Patience Museveni Rwabwogo nor State House had publicly commented on Kalyegira’s account by the time of publication.

The case continues to attract attention because it unfolds amid heightened scrutiny of journalists, online publishers and digital media platforms in Uganda. While the prosecution maintains that Kalyegira’s case concerns compliance with broadcasting licensing requirements under the Uganda Communications Act, media rights advocates have argued that the proceedings raise broader questions about press freedom and freedom of expression.

Recently, Odrek Rwabwogo exposed the vote rigging in the 2026 elections, as reported Here.