Exiled writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has made fresh allegations linking Ugandan intelligence operatives to political activities in Zambia, reviving claims of foreign interference in the country’s electoral affairs.
In a statement shared by Rukirabashaija, the author alleged that Ugandan intelligence personnel were deployed to Zambia during the administration of former President Edgar Lungu, with some of the operatives allegedly involved in efforts targeting opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema.
Rukirabashaija specifically named Chris Rugari, whom he described as having led a team of Ugandan operatives operating under the guise of security advisers. He alleged that Rugari coordinated operations against Hichilema and oversaw Ugandan information technology personnel involved in activities surrounding Zambia’s disputed 2016 elections.
The allegations could not independently be verified. However, claims of foreign involvement in Zambia’s 2016 election were publicly raised at the time, with opposition figures alleging that foreign nationals, including a Ugandan identified as Chris Rugari, had been hired by the ruling Patriotic Front to influence the election. The allegations were denied by PF officials.
Rukirabashaija further claimed that the operatives faced hostility following Hichilema’s election victory in 2021, alleging that some were forced to flee Zambia through Tanzania.
He used the account to draw parallels with a more recent controversy involving British-American national Andy Wilson Orlando, who has emerged as a prosecution witness in the treason case against Ugandan opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye.
Orlando was presented as the prosecution’s first witness during Besigye’s trial in July 2026, although proceedings were disrupted after Besigye collapsed in court.
Rukirabashaija alleged that Orlando was connected to a fresh operation around Hichilema, but provided no documentary evidence to substantiate the claim. The writer also linked the alleged activities to attempts by Ugandan officials to have selected Ugandan exiles in Zambia extradited.
Among those mentioned was Col Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Zambia. Official Zambian records confirm Mwesigye holds the diplomatic post and has been accredited as Uganda’s representative in Lusaka.
Rukirabashaija argued that Zambia’s refusal to become involved in Uganda’s political disputes demonstrated the limits of cross-border efforts to pursue political opponents.
The writer, who fled Uganda after repeated arrests and alleged torture over his writings critical of President Yoweri Museveni, has remained in exile. PEN International says he left Uganda in January 2023, citing concerns for his safety and the need for specialised medical treatment.
His latest comments, however, remain allegations and have not been independently established by Daily Monitor.