Former government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo has confirmed that he has stopped writing his weekly opinion column for New Vision newspaper following a disagreement with the publication’s editorial direction. His decision has attracted attention because it comes at a time when he has become increasingly outspoken about Uganda’s political succession debate and Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s supporters.

Opondo, who represents older persons from eastern Uganda in Parliament, clarified that he was not dismissed or banned by the newspaper. Responding to reports circulating on social media, he explained that the decision to stop contributing was entirely his own after failing to agree with what he described as a changing editorial approach.

His clarification came after government critic Kakwenza Rukirabashaija claimed that New Vision had dropped Opondo because of his criticism of Muhoozi and members of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). Kakwenza also made allegations involving the newspaper’s Chief Executive Officer, Don Wanyama, but did not provide evidence that Wanyama had ordered Opondo’s removal.

Opondo’s departure follows a series of opinion pieces in which he has questioned the growing campaign promoting Muhoozi as a possible successor to President Yoweri Museveni. He has warned that the political ambitions being promoted by some of Muhoozi’s supporters could create tensions within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

In one of his recent articles, Opondo defended retired General Kahinda Otafiire after the latter criticised aspects of the country’s security leadership. He also cautioned Muhoozi’s supporters against assuming that public silence meant Ugandans had accepted their political agenda, arguing that the 2031 succession debate faced challenges that should not be ignored.

His criticism has also extended beyond succession politics. In June 2026, he questioned the alleged humiliation of suspects by security personnel, particularly practices involving stripping detainees naked, photographing them and exposing them to public ridicule. He warned against practices that could take the country back to periods associated with serious human rights abuses.

During an appearance on Capital FM’s Capital Gang programme on October 24, 2026, Opondo also questioned why some Cabinet ministers were already endorsing Muhoozi for the presidency shortly after Museveni had secured another term. He argued that such endorsements could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in the sitting president and could create uncertainty within the country.

Opondo’s exit from the New Vision column therefore comes amid growing public debate about political succession, freedom of expression and the role of media institutions in handling critical opinions. However, he maintains that he chose to leave because of an editorial disagreement, rather than being forced out over his views on Muhoozi or the PLU.