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Political analyst and former intelligence officer Charles Rwomushana was arrested on Saturday, 5 September 2026, by armed security operatives who reportedly stormed Radio Simba’s studios in Bukoto while he was participating in a live political programme.
Rwomushana was appearing on “Gasimbagane Nebanamawulire,” a weekly Saturday programme that brings together political commentators to discuss major issues and events in Uganda and beyond.
The programme featured Rwomushana alongside fellow panelists John Kakande and Haruna Kanabi, with Dick Muvule serving as the moderator. The discussion was focused largely on General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s stated intention to contest for Uganda’s presidency in 2031.
Rwomushana is a regular panelist on the programme and a prominent commentator on Uganda’s political, social and economic affairs, as well as international issues.
According to Muvule, security operatives arrived at the station in two vehicles commonly referred to as “drones” and surrounded the premises.
“I was shocked as a moderator because when we are on air, the studio door doesn’t open anyhow,” Muvule said.
Catherine Nsibiha, a security guard at the station, alleged that the officers arrived in two groups, with some dressed in civilian clothing and others in uniform.
She said the officers told her they were waiting for someone inside the premises but did not register in the visitors’ book.
Nsibiha further alleged that the officers forced their way into the station and took up positions around the premises. She said about five officers proceeded to the reception area and forced the receptionist to grant them access to the studios, where they took Rwomushana away.
“They did not sign in our visitors’ book, nor did they introduce themselves or say who they wanted. One immediately closed the gate. The others grabbed the receptionist and forced their way to the studios, where they pulled him out, holding him by both sides of his trousers. I urged them not to beat him; one soldier slapped me to shut up,” Nsibiha said.
Rwomushana’s arrest came days after he criticised CDF General Muhoozi Kainerugaba during a heated political discussion on the same programme.
During the discussion, Rwomushana reportedly compared Kainerugaba to the biblical “prodigal son,” who asked his father for his inheritance, squandered it and later found himself in desperate circumstances.
The circumstances surrounding Rwomushana’s arrest have drawn condemnation from some opposition figures and political commentators.
Former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura condemned what she described as the use of non-uniformed security operatives to arrest Rwomushana from a radio studio.
“When lawlessness becomes the norm, everyone on this sinking ship is at risk,” Nyanjura said.
The incident has renewed concerns over the treatment of journalists, political commentators and other public figures during security operations, particularly when such arrests take place at media houses or while programmes are being broadcast live.