It’s been seven years since the tragic assassination of AIGP Felix Kaweesi, the former police spokesperson, whose life was brutally cut short on March 17, 2017. His death sent shockwaves through Uganda and left a deep void, particularly within the security forces. Kaweesi was a symbol of professionalism, integrity, and dedication to his country, and his untimely death marked one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s fight against crime and instability.
In a poignant post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni and a senior military leader, now serving as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), he took a moment to remember his fallen comrade thus; “It is 7 years since some criminals took your life my brother. We shall ‘settle accounts’ with them no matter how long it takes!” Muhoozi wrote, vowing that the perpetrators would eventually ‘face justice’. He added, “UPDF and UPF never forget those who attack us! Rest in Peace my brother.”
Muhoozi’s words echoed the sentiment of many Ugandans—both those who worked with Kaweesi and those who admired his commitment to duty. But beyond the personal grief, his message underscores a long-standing determination within Uganda’s military and police forces to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on their ranks.
Kaweesi’s assassination was part of a troubling trend of high-profile killings that had plagued the country in the years that followed. His death, along with those of other prominent individuals, has left many questioning the motives behind these attacks. Among those who followed Kaweesi’s tragic end were other senior officers, such as Muhammad Kirumira, a former police officer who was murdered in 2018, and Col. Ibrahim Abiriga, a retired army officer and Member of Parliament, who was also gunned down in 2018 along with his brother.
These assassinations raised concerns about the wider implications for Uganda’s security apparatus and its fight against organized crime.
The government’s response to the murders has been fierce, with high-profile figures such as President Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba vowing to bring the killers to justice. Even as the investigation into Kaweesi’s death continues, Muhoozi’s statement reflects an unyielding determination: “UPDF and UPF never forget those who attack us.” For the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force (UPF), this is not just about a fallen officer; it is about the integrity of their institution and their relentless pursuit of justice, regardless of how long it may take.
Muhoozi’s tribute to his fallen brother is a reminder that in Uganda’s volatile political and security environment, the pursuit of justice often takes years. And though many of the perpetrators remain elusive, Muhoozi’s words speak to an enduring resolve to ensure they will be held accountable some day, no matter the cost.
As the anniversary of Felix Kaweesi’s death passes, his memory remains a symbol of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the fight for peace and security.
For his family, his colleagues, and the people of Uganda, Kaweesi’s legacy endures, even as the search for justice continues. His story is a reminder that time may pass, but the commitment to justice never fades. Rest in peace, Felix Kaweesi—your legacy is far from forgotten. Here at TheSpy Uganda, we remember very vividly our close working relationship whenever we wanted your input on the stories we were making around your institution for which you spoke. RiP comrade 🙏
