MWE Correspondent
Relations between Uganda and the United States have come under renewed strain following a sharp online exchange between Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and U.S. Senator Jim Risch.
The latest remarks, posted on February 3, 2026, came only days after General Muhoozi had issued an apology over earlier social media comments that had sparked controversy and diplomatic concern.
The disagreement began when General Muhoozi used the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to accuse the U.S. Embassy in Kampala of interfering in Uganda’s internal political affairs. In a series of posts that were later deleted, he suggested that the embassy was linked to opposition political activities and even hinted at suspending military cooperation between Uganda and the United States. The comments spread rapidly online and immediately drew attention in Washington.
Senator Jim Risch, who chairs the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee, publicly criticised the deleted posts, saying they had crossed a diplomatic red line. He warned that such statements, regardless of whether they were later withdrawn, could force the United States to reconsider elements of its long-standing security partnership with Uganda.
As pressure mounted, General Muhoozi issued an apology, explaining that his earlier remarks were based on inaccurate information. He said he had since held discussions with the U.S. ambassador in Kampala and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to continued cooperation.
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For decades, Uganda’s military, through the Uganda People’s Defence Force, has worked closely with the United States on joint training, intelligence sharing, and regional security operations, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts across East Africa.
Despite the apology, Senator Risch maintained that the response did not fully address the seriousness of the allegations. His stance appears to have triggered General Muhoozi’s latest rebuttal. Writing again on X, the Ugandan military chief rejected what he described as a demeaning tone from abroad and stressed Uganda’s sovereignty, insisting that the country would not accept external pressure presented in a disrespectful manner.
The exchange has unfolded against a backdrop of heightened political tension in Uganda, following disputed elections and criticism from opposition figures, including Bobi Wine, whose political influence continues to shape public debate in the country.
Diplomatic analysts note that while disagreements between allies are not unusual, the public nature of this confrontation is striking for two countries with historically close ties. Officials on both sides say formal diplomatic channels remain open, but the episode has highlighted how social media statements by senior officials can quickly escalate into international disputes.
For now, Ugandan authorities insist that military and diplomatic cooperation with the United States remains intact. In Washington, lawmakers say they are closely monitoring developments, with the outcome likely to influence the future tone of Uganda–US relations, particularly on security cooperation, governance, and regional stability
