National • 19 December 2025

Uganda: Parliament Presses Govt Over Muhoozi's Election Remarks, Detention of Catholic Priest.

Parliament has put the government on the spot over remarks by the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, that legislators say appear to contradict electoral laws and risk discouraging citizen participation in monitoring the 2026 general elections.

The matter arose following recent public statements attributed to General Muhoozi, in which he reportedly advised voters to return home immediately after casting their ballots.

MPs said the comments have fuelled fears that the military is encroaching on the mandate of the Electoral Commission and undermining civilian oversight of the electoral process.

Kira Municipality MP, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, questioned whether the military had effectively assumed control of election management, arguing that the CDF's pronouncements were overshadowing the role of the Electoral Commission and its chairperson, Simon Byabakama.

Ssemujju said it was troubling that election-related guidance appeared to be coming from the head of the army rather than the constitutionally mandated electoral body, adding that such directives risk intimidating voters and weakening transparency at polling stations.

Responding to the concerns, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka told Parliament that the Electoral Commission remains the sole authority responsible for conducting elections.

However, he also urged voters not to linger at polling stations after voting, arguing that this was necessary to maintain public order during the exercise.

Kiwanuka maintained that no other institution had taken over the role of the Electoral Commission, insisting that the commission would continue to discharge its duties independently as provided for under the law.

The debate later shifted to the continued detention of Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Catholic priest from Masaka Diocese, who was reportedly abducted by men in military uniform on December 3, 2025.

MPs expressed concern that the cleric had been held for more than two weeks without being produced before a competent court.

Medard Ssewungu and Asuman Basalirwa described the detention as a serious violation of the law and a troubling signal for religious freedom and the rule of law, demanding an explanation for why the priest had not been formally charged or arraigned.

The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces has since confirmed that Fr. Ssekabira is in military custody on allegations of violent subversive activities against the state.

The explanation did little to ease concerns in the House, with MPs insisting that any suspect must be presented before court within the time limits set by law.

Attorney General Kiwanuka assured Parliament that government was taking steps to have the priest produced in court and promised to investigate the legality of his detention.

He said that if it emerged that the law had been violated, those responsible would be sanctioned.