Journalist Gideon Tugume Apologises to Gen. Muhoozi After Release from Detention

What the report says

Nile Post reported that journalist and lawyer Gideon Tugume has issued a public apology to Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, after being released from two weeks in detention. According to the report, Tugume had been arrested earlier in July following comments made on a live Radio 4 programme, where he questioned whether Muhoozi was President Yoweri Museveni’s biological son and proposed a DNA test.

Appearing again on Radio 4 on Friday, Tugume withdrew the remarks and asked Muhoozi to forgive him. Nile Post said he attributed the comments to severe personal strain, including financial hardship, unemployment and pressure to provide for his family. Tugume reportedly said he has four children, has struggled to meet school fees and basic needs, and has not obtained permanent work despite holding multiple academic qualifications.

The report also said Tugume appealed to Muhoozi for financial support, describing himself as a 52-year-old from Ruhaama in Ntungamo District and the son of a war veteran. He further said he was dealing with illnesses including diabetes, cancer and ulcers, and referred to a previous hospital bill he could not clear without help from a fundraiser.

Nile Post reported that Tugume was arrested on July 6 at his home in Gayaza, Wakiso District. During his detention, relatives, lawyers and journalists called for information on his whereabouts, while rights advocates raised concerns. The episode drew attention because it sat at the intersection of media freedom, political speech and the treatment of journalists in Uganda.