KAMPALA, Uganda — A video showing former External Security Organization Director General David Pulkol publicly rebuking journalist Andrew Mujuni Mwenda has gone viral in Uganda, sparking widespread social media discussion. The incident occurred during a meeting in Gulu between Gen. Salim Saleh, President Yoweri Museveni’s brother, and European Union ambassadors and diplomats.
During the Gulu engagement, where the EU supports post-conflict recovery programs, diplomats voiced concerns and discomfort over threats directed at them by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Museveni’s son and the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF). Gen. Kainerugaba had reportedly threatened individual sanctions against EU diplomats after they met with opposition politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine.
Among the topics discussed with Wine was the alleged torture of his bodyguard, Eddie Mutwe Sebuwufu, who was reportedly held in Gen. Kainerugaba’s basement. Diplomats warned of severe consequences if such actions continued. However, Gen. Kainerugaba reportedly responded with further threats, according to the diplomats.
Sebuwufu, appearing in court, struggled to speak and claimed he had been electrocuted, requesting his hands be amputated to alleviate pain. He stated he had not received adequate medical care beyond painkillers and expressed fear for his life.
Despite these developments, Uganda’s Parliament has remained silent, with the Speaker reportedly shutting down any attempts to debate Gen. Kainerugaba’s conduct. Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has indicated ministerial concern, and the matter has been discussed in Cabinet, but President Museveni has not publicly commented on his son’s actions.
Uncertainty regarding President Museveni’s stance has led many Ugandan leaders to remain silent, with some described as “calculative opportunists” awaiting his position.
The EU diplomats, led by the German ambassador, brought these concerns to Gen. Saleh, seeking assurances they would not be harmed due to Gen. Kainerugaba’s threats. They conveyed that the situation was “unacceptable” and required resolution.
Before Gen. Saleh could respond, Andrew Mwenda, who has identified himself as a government spokesman, reportedly interjected, urging the diplomats to “mind their business” and respect Uganda’s sovereignty. He questioned whether a German ambassador in Washington or at the United Nations would make similar demands on the U.S. government.
In contrast to Mwenda’s “escalatory rhetoric,” Gen. Saleh was described as “respectful, accommodative, calm and willing to listen.” A “heckling session” reportedly ensued between the EU ambassadors and Mwenda.
David Pulkol, Gen. Saleh’s principal technical advisor and former chief spy, intervened, directly contradicting and rebuking Mwenda. Pulkol reportedly told Mwenda that Ugandans should not normalize torture by authorities and that anti-imperialism rhetoric should not be used to evade accountability. Gen. Saleh, seated nearby, reportedly nodded in approval.
Gen. Saleh later apologized on Gen. Kainerugaba’s behalf, stating that his nephew’s actions had become unpredictable. He also mentioned that his brother-in-law, Hilmar Froelich, had also expressed concerns about Gen. Kainerugaba’s “growing unpredictability and unrestrained use of social media.”
In a phone interview Friday, Pulkol told Mulengera News that he felt “duty bound” to intervene and shut down Mwenda’s “unbecoming conduct” to shield Gen. Saleh from potential embarrassment. Pulkol stated he does not regret his actions.
