Joseph Isangura
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, has once again found himself at the center of national and international debate after a recent post on social media.
His comments about opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, in which he referred to him as a “traitor,” have sparked widespread backlash and reignited political tensions in Uganda.
In his post, Kainerugaba went further to suggest that Besigye would leave prison either “in his coffin” or “on his knees apologizing” to his father. The comment has been met with criticism from various groups, including legal experts and human rights advocates, who argue that such statements undermine democratic principles and the rule of law in Uganda.
This latest controversy is not an isolated incident. Earlier in January 2025, Kainerugaba’s social media remarks about opposition leader Bobi Wine raised alarm across the country. He publicly declared his wish to “behead” Bobi Wine, stating that only his father prevented him from carrying out the threat. Bobi Wine, who has faced numerous attempts on his life in the past, responded by expressing serious concerns for his safety.
The general’s comments have not only caused unrest within Uganda but have also put a strain on the country’s diplomatic relations. In October 2024, he threatened to expel U.S. Ambassador William Popp, accusing the diplomat of disrespecting President Museveni and Uganda’s constitution. The lack of clarity or evidence behind his accusation led to confusion and concern among diplomatic circles.
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In light of the backlash, General Kainerugaba announced in early 2025 that he would be stepping away from social media to focus on his military responsibilities. He cited his faith and a desire to contribute to peace and stability in the region as key factors in his decision. However, this is not the first time he has left social media; he deactivated his account in 2022, only to return a short time later.
Despite the controversies surrounding his statements, the Ugandan government has distanced itself from Kainerugaba’s social media activity. Government officials have downplayed his remarks, suggesting that they are personal opinions and not reflective of the government’s official stance. Meanwhile, President Museveni has defended his son, calling him a “very good general” and emphasizing his right to express his views freely.
