End Of The Road For Museveni’s Once‑Powerful Advisor After Sudden Fall From Grace

Lt‑Gen Henry Tumukunde was once among President Museveni’s most trusted allies — serving as head of military intelligence, Security Minister, and a powerful NRM mobiliser.

Yet, by March 2020, the retired general faced a dramatic reversal. Declaring a presidential bid for 2021, Tumukunde appeared on TV suggesting Rwanda intervene in Uganda’s leadership transition, stating: “If I was Rwanda, I would support people who want to cause change in Uganda” .

Within hours, security forces surrounded his office in Kololo, arrested him in a joint operation and took him into custody.

Authorities accused him of treason and incitement, alleging he solicited support from a neighbouring country to remove the government charges framed under Uganda’s penal code .

Once detained, Tumukunde was remanded to Luzira prison, with court appearances delayed due to his deteriorating health.

He was later charged with both treason and illegal firearm possession: investigators claimed he kept a modified AK-47 without valid permits .

Tumukunde’s fall was swift. Having once enjoyed intimate access to power and influence within Museveni’s inner circle, he became adversarial rather rapidly.

Media analysts suggest that his public airing of dissent and bid for power broke the unwritten loyalty pact within the NRM establishment .

Despite earlier controversies—including court martial proceedings in the 2000s over alleged propaganda and abuse of office Tumukunde had resurged in Museveni’s confidence, appointed Security Minister in 2016. Yet by 2020, he was ousted, arrested, and politically sidelined