A 40-year-old man has been arrested by a joint team of the Uganda Police and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Kanungu District following the circulation of a video in which he openly declared intentions to end President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership.
The suspect, who identified himself only as Esau in the video, is a resident of Kamutungu Village, Nyakatunguru Ward, Kihihi Town Council.
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Esau published a 3-minute and 39-second video message recorded in a forested location. In the video, he appeared in civilian clothing, camouflage-style trousers, jungle boots, and wielded a machete. He declared the beginning of what he described as a personal mission to remove President Museveni from power, warning that significant change was imminent.
“Whether people want it or not, the time for change has come,” Esau said in the video.
He claimed that Uganda would serve as the launchpad for this mission and urged the public to remain alert, promising to issue an official start notice within 48 hours.
While stating that he does not hate Ugandans and does not consider himself a politician, Esau issued cautionary remarks directed at politicians, especially the President, saying they should stay vigilant.
Following the video’s circulation, security operatives from the UPDF and Uganda Police cordoned off his residence and arrested him on Monday.
During the arrest, Esau reportedly quoted Genesis Chapter 27 from the Bible, though the context and meaning of the reference remain unclear.
Kanungu Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Gad Rugaaju Ahimbisibwe, confirmed the arrest and said Esau was taken to Kihihi Police Station for further investigation.
Authorities are now reviewing the footage and interviewing the suspect to determine whether he acted independently or is part of a broader movement.