Uganda, US trade sharp words after army chief’s social media posts

A diplomatic dispute is brewing between Uganda and the United States after Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, made claims on social media that the US Embassy in Kampala had crossed into Uganda’s internal political space.

General Kainerugaba, who is the son of President Yoweri Museveni, suggested severing military cooperation between Kampala and Washington, including their joint security operations in the Horn of Africa. The posts referenced opposition figure Bobi Wine and were taken down within hours.

General Kainerugaba later said the information he relied on was incorrect and confirmed that military cooperation with the United States would “continue as usual”.

However, US Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Senator Jim Risch said General Kainerugaba “has crossed a red line” and called on the Trump administration to reevaluate its security partnership with Uganda and possibly impose sanctions. Risch said the deletion of the posts and “hollow apologies” were not enough.

Uganda’s military leadership has pushed back against the criticism. Defence spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi described the remarks by the US senator as “an outdated colonial tactic” of intimidation and interference in Uganda’s internal affairs, vowing Kampala will “vigorously” resist such an approach.

Colonel Magezi said cooperation between Uganda and the US across various sectors should not be affected by public exchanges on social media.

There has been no comment from US President Donald Trump on the dispute.

The timing follows Uganda’s recent elections, in which President Museveni secured a seventh term to extend his 40-year rule. His main rival, Bobi Wine, has rejected the outcome, alleging irregularities. The authorities have denied the claims.

SOURCE: MRA