A 40-year-old man who stormed social media with a bizarre video promising to topple President Yoweri Museveni has been arrested in dramatic fashion by a joint security operation in Kanungu District.
The man, who identifies only as “Esau”, recorded a fiery 3-minute video from what looks like a hidden forest hideout, warning Ugandans and the world that the “time for change has come” and that Museveni was his only target.
Clad in jungle boots, camouflage-style pants, and a t-shirt with a shiny new machete in hand, Esau declared his mission to start a nationwide journey to unseat the President, promising to give his “final signal” within 48 hours.
“I don’t hate Ugandans, I just hate tyranny,” Esau declared.
“What’s about to happen will shock the world!”
The clip caused a stir online, prompting UPDF soldiers and police officers to swing into action. By Monday morning, Esau’s home in Kamutungu Village, Kihihi Town Council, was under tight security as the self-declared rebel was taken down.
During the arrest, Esau reportedly quoted the Bible, specifically Genesis 27, leaving many wondering if this was a political stunt, a spiritual crusade, or the start of something more sinister.
Kanungu Deputy RDC Gad Rugaaju confirmed the arrest, saying Esau is now detained at Kihihi Police Station and under interrogation.
“We are treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” Rugaaju told reporters.