Kanungu man arrested over video threat to end Museveni rule
Security agencies in Kanungu district have arrested a man who appeared in a viral video declaring his mission to end President Yoweri Museveni’s rule.
The suspect, who identified himself only as Esau, is believed to be in his late 40s and a resident of Kamutungu village, Nyakatunguru ward in Kihihi town council.
On Sunday, May 25, Esau released a 3-minute, 39-second video filmed in what appears to be a forest. Clad in a civilian t-shirt, camouflage trousers, desert tan jungle boots, and wielding a machete, Esau proclaimed the beginning of a mission to unseat the long-serving president.
“The time for change has come whether people want it or not,” he said, urging Ugandans to stay alert for an official announcement “within 48 hours.”
In the video, Esau insisted he was not driven by hatred or political ambition but accused Museveni of being the main obstacle to change in Uganda. He warned the president and other politicians to “stay alert,” predicting that Uganda and the world would soon witness unprecedented events.
On Monday, a joint team of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers and police officers stormed Esau’s home and arrested him without incident. During the arrest, witnesses say he quoted from the Bible, specifically Genesis 27, a chapter often associated with struggle, deception, and the pursuit of blessing.
Gaddie Rugaaju Ahimbisibwe, Kanungu deputy resident district commissioner, confirmed the arrest. He said Esau is currently detained at Kihihi police station and is undergoing interrogation. Authorities have yet to reveal the specific charges being considered, but analysts expect he could be charged under laws related to incitement, threatening violence, or terrorism-related offences.
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