The general has demanded an investigation into alleged plots to assassinate key military and government officials who are seen to oppose President Yoweri Museveni’s alleged plans to install his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba as his successor.
Last week, the Criminal Investigation Department interrogated the authors of the story and the newspaper’s managing editor for three days but failed to extract the source of their information. Police subsequently obtained a court order telling the journalists to name their source, and also authorising a search for a letter written by the general that is held in the publication’s offices.
Government spokesman Fred Opolot says the country’s security was compromised when the newspaper published the letter, “It is alleged by the police [the letter] was doctored by some of the media houses and that prompted an investigation,” Opolot said.
Security forces have also taken the Daily Monitor’s sister radio stations KFM and Dembe FM off air.
In August last year President Museveni, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, promoted his son from Colonel to Brigadier. It was the second promotion for Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who had been promoted from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel in September 2011.
