The Remarks That Put Timothy Kalyegira in the Crosshairs.

Another outspoken Museveni regime critic has joined the growing list of Ugandans facing arrest after speaking out against CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Veteran journalist, commentator and photographer Timothy Kalyegira vanished for four days, sparking concern over his whereabouts. When he finally resurfaced, it emerged that he had been in the hands of security operatives before being produced in court. Prosecutors formally charged him with operating The Uganda Records without a broadcasting licence from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), and he was remanded to Luzira Prison until July 16. But many Ugandans are asking a different question. Why now? For years, Kalyegira has been one of the country's most outspoken political commentators, frequently publishing sharp critiques of Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the direction of Uganda's politics. To his supporters, the licensing charge is merely the official explanation, while the real reason for his arrest is his relentless criticism of the First Son and CDF. His case now joins a growing list of government critics who have faced arrest, detention or prosecution after publicly challenging Muhoozi. In this commentary, I examine Timothy Kalyegira's disappearance, the charges brought against him, the commentaries that may have placed him in the spotlight, and why many Ugandans believe this case is about far more than an alleged broadcasting licence.