Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde has spoken out after opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye sought court approval to personally serve summons on Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, escalating an already tense legal standoff.
Besigye, currently in detention, has applied to be facilitated by prison authorities to directly deliver court papers to the army chief, citing repeated failures by his legal team to serve the documents through conventional channels.
His lawyers have reportedly faced obstruction while attempting to access Muhoozi through official offices, prompting the unusual request.
Reacting to the development, Ssemakadde framed the move as a bold challenge to perceived state impunity.
He noted that Besigye, now representing himself in court, was seeking a direct, “man-to-man” confrontation with the country’s top military officer in a legal context.
“Dr. Kizza Besigye, now pro se, has asked court to be taken to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to personally serve him summons. Not through aides. Not through protocol. Man to man,” Ssemakadde stated.
He also referenced the reported arrest of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who had been involved in efforts to serve the summons, describing it as punishment for attempting to hold a powerful figure accountable.
“Lukwago is in Luzira for words, for daring to serve the ‘untouchable first son,’” he added.
The ULS president questioned whether the military leadership would submit to the same legal standards applied to ordinary citizens.
“But can Muhoozi stand toe-to-toe with Besigye?” he posed, framing the matter as a test of equality before the law.
Ssemakadde further argued that the situation reflects broader tensions within Uganda’s governance and justice systems.
He suggested that the state’s reaction to Besigye’s actions signals unease over dissenting voices.
“The entire state is trembling because of one unarmed man in chains. You can shackle the body. You cannot shackle the will,” he said.
The case stems from Besigye’s legal challenge over alleged threats and rights violations linked to public remarks attributed to Muhoozi.
The High Court has already directed the CDF to file a defence, even as questions persist over the enforcement of court processes.
The unfolding dispute continues to draw regional attention, raising concerns about rule of law, access to justice, and the balance of power between civilian authority and the military in Uganda.