Rwabwogo to Muhoozi: Only Museveni can stop me, follow the law

What the report says

Odrek Rwabwogo, President Yoweri Museveni’s son-in-law and chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), has publicly pushed back against Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba after the chief of defence forces attacked the body and the arrest of one of Rwabwogo’s associates, Mathew Bagonza. The Observer reported that Muhoozi used social media posts this week to describe PACEID as illegal and corrupt, and to warn ministries, agencies and local governments to stop working with it.

In response, Rwabwogo said Muhoozi should respect the law and allow any allegations to be handled through proper legal channels. He said Bagonza should be treated as an accused person, not humiliated, and argued that if there is a case against him it should be heard before a competent court. Rwabwogo also said he had met President Museveni in Entebbe after the arrest and was told that the president had not ordered the detention or any operation against PACEID officials.

Rwabwogo defended PACEID’s legal standing, saying it was formally set up in March 2022 with a mandate to support exports and help Ugandan businesses reach international markets. He said the committee reports to Museveni and has worked with exporters and entrepreneurs, including efforts to build value chains in multiple products. The dispute adds to a broader public rift between the two relatives, who have previously traded accusations over corruption, political intimidation and the use of state power.