A video clip that has been widely shared on social media shows David Pulkol, Uganda’s former spy chief and current principal advisor to Gen Salim Saleh, rebuking and silencing senior journalist Andrew Mwenda during a tense meeting with European Union (EU) diplomats in Gulu.
The meeting was part of Gen Saleh’s engagements with foreign diplomats in northern Uganda, a region where the EU funds many post-war recovery programs. The conversation took a serious turn when the diplomats raised concerns over recent threats made by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba (MK)—President Museveni’s son and Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces.
Gen Muhoozi had recently issued strong warnings to the EU diplomats after they held meetings with opposition leader Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu).
The diplomats had also expressed concern about the reported torture of Bobi Wine’s bodyguard Eddie Mutwe, who is said to be suffering from severe injuries while in detention. In court, Mutwe reportedly said he had been electrocuted and was in so much pain that he asked doctors to cut off his hands.
During the meeting in Gulu, the EU ambassadors—led by the German envoy—pressed Gen Saleh for answers. They asked how such threats from a top army official like Muhoozi could be allowed to go unchecked.
However, before Saleh could respond, Andrew Mwenda jumped in angrily, accusing the EU diplomats of behaving like imperialists and disrespecting Uganda’s sovereignty. Mwenda compared the situation to whether any African diplomat would dare to confront a Western power the same way.
His comments were seen as aggressive and unhelpful, especially compared to Gen Saleh, who remained respectful, calm, and willing to listen. The atmosphere became tense as diplomats began to push back at Mwenda’s tone, creating a chaotic moment during the meeting.
That’s when David Pulkol stepped in. Acting like the adult in the room, he firmly told Mwenda to stop. Pulkol said that while foreign interference may not always be welcomed, Ugandans must not defend torture or human rights violations. He said leaders cannot escape accountability by hiding behind anti-Western rhetoric.
Pulkol’s comments won praise from many Ugandans online who saw his action as wise and principled. As Pulkol spoke, Gen Saleh appeared visibly relieved and nodded in agreement. The General later apologized to the diplomats on behalf of Muhoozi, saying that even he, as Muhoozi’s uncle, could no longer predict what MK would say or post on social media.
Saleh even revealed that his own brother-in-law, Hilmar Froelich, who is married to Saleh’s sister Violet Kajubiri, had reached out to express concern about MK’s erratic behavior. This gave the discussion a personal and emotional angle.
In a follow-up interview with Mulengera News, Pulkol confirmed that he did not regret calling out Mwenda. He said he had to act to protect Gen Saleh’s image from being damaged by Mwenda’s remarks. Pulkol emphasized that if similar situations arise again, he would not hesitate to take the same stand.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s Parliament remains quiet about Gen Muhoozi’s conduct. Some MPs have reportedly been blocked from raising the matter, and Justice Minister Norbert Mao has previously noted that Cabinet members are worried but afraid to speak out until President Museveni gives a clear direction.
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