Summary:

• Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and President Museveni’s son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has deactivated his X account after controversial remarks, including a threat against NUP leader Bobi Wine. Known for sparking diplomatic tensions, his tweets have strained relations with Kenya and the U.S., prompting Uganda’s government to distance itself from his statements. Muhoozi cited spiritual reasons for leaving the platform to focus on his military role.

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and President Yoweri Museveni’s son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has deactivated his X (formerly Twitter) account. This decision follows a series of controversial posts, including a recent statement in which he threatened to behead Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

In his final post to his one million followers, Gen. Muhoozi announced his departure, citing “the instructions and blessings of my Lord Jesus Christ” and expressing a desire to focus on his role in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).

“I know you all love me and that you will continue to follow me like the wind long after here. At an appropriate time in the future…we shall always re-converge,” he wrote.

History of Controversial Tweets

Gen. Muhoozi’s tweets have often sparked diplomatic controversies and strained relations with neighboring countries. In 2022, he apologized to Kenyan President William Ruto after a series of tweets claimed Uganda’s military could capture Nairobi within two weeks. The remarks triggered a diplomatic storm, prompting Uganda’s government to reaffirm its commitment to peaceful coexistence with Kenya.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to emphasise that the Government and the people of Uganda treasure the strong bilateral relationship with Kenya, built on shared history, common values, mutual respect, and trust,” the statement read.

Tensions with the U.S.

In another incident, Gen. Muhoozi demanded that U.S. Ambassador William Popp apologize to President Museveni, accusing him of undermining Uganda’s constitution and disrespecting the president. He warned that failure to apologize would result in calls for the ambassador’s removal from Uganda.

“If this current US ambassador does not apologize to mzee (Museveni) personally by Monday morning (9:00am) for his undiplomatic behavior in our country, we will demand he leaves Uganda,” Gen. Muhoozi stated.

His departure from the platform marks the end of a controversial presence that frequently sparked debates and drew criticism, both locally and internationally. However, his tweets have also raised broader questions about Uganda’s political landscape and the future of President Museveni’s 38-year rule under the National Resistance Movement (NRM).