Politics 29 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Saleh Denies Private Army Rumors, Bans Lean Museveni Portraits

Maj. Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, famously known as Salim Saleh, has publicly refuted claims of establishing a private army. He also issued a directive prohibiting the use of portraits of President Yoweri Museveni that depict him as lean or unhealthy. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/past-and-present-saleh-dismisses-talk-of-private-army-use-of-lean-portraits-of-museveni-banned-5576018

Maj. Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, widely recognized as Salim Saleh, has vehemently dismissed circulating rumors about the formation of a private army. These reports emerged following a significant meeting involving approximately 600 individuals, which fueled speculation.

Saleh, who is also the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) commander, clarified that the gathering was part of ongoing efforts to bolster economic development and foster peace across the nation. He emphasized that the discussions revolved around strategies for poverty eradication and sustainable growth, rather than military mobilization.

In a separate but related directive, Saleh also announced a ban on the use of specific portraits of President Yoweri Museveni. The prohibition specifically targets images that portray the President in a lean or unhealthy state. This move is understood to be an effort to maintain a strong and positive public image of the Head of State.

Sources close to Saleh indicate that the directive aims to ensure that official portrayals of President Museveni project an image of vitality and leadership. The intention is to avoid any visuals that could be misconstrued as a sign of weakness or ill health, thereby safeguarding the President’s public persona.

The clarification from Saleh aims to quell public anxiety and misinformation regarding his activities and the image of the President. The focus remains on development initiatives and maintaining a robust national outlook.

Read more: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/past-and-present-saleh-dismisses-talk-of-private-army-use-of-lean-portraits-of-museveni-banned-5576018