Kakwenza Challenges Museveni Advisor Rwabwogo Over Freedom of Expression Remarks

What the report says

Nile Post reports that exiled Ugandan author and lawyer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has criticised presidential adviser Odrek Rwabwogo after Rwabwogo publicly linked Uganda’s economic ambitions to the need for citizens to speak freely. Rwabwogo, who leads the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, said Uganda’s goal of building a $500 billion economy depends on open communication, reduced fear and stronger public confidence.

According to the report, Kakwenza responded in a public letter, arguing that Rwabwogo was restating warnings long raised by opposition figures, journalists, academics and activists. Kakwenza said those critics had often faced consequences for challenging the government, while Rwabwogo has direct access to President Yoweri Museveni and is married to Museveni’s daughter, Patience.

Kakwenza also revisited his own detention and departure from Uganda, saying Rwabwogo met him after his January 2022 release and saw injuries he alleged were sustained in custody. He further referred to reports that Rwabwogo visited journalist Timothy Kalyegira while Kalyegira was detained, and questioned why the adviser was addressing the wider public rather than those in power.

The exchange matters because it highlights continuing tensions in Uganda over freedom of expression, political dissent and accountability. Nile Post notes that Kakwenza, now living in exile, remains an outspoken government critic through writing and social media, while Rwabwogo has recently spoken on economic transformation and the value of dialogue.