General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, caused a diplomatic stir when he tweeted a threat directed at U.S. Ambassador William Popp. In his now-deleted tweet, Muhoozi accused the ambassador of undermining Uganda’s president and constitution. He issued an ultimatum: either Ambassador Popp apologizes to President Museveni by Monday morning, or he faces deportation from Uganda.
This unprecedented ultimatum, reportedly giving the U.S. diplomat 72 hours to comply, has exacerbated existing tensions between the two nations. The specific reasons behind the tweet remain unclear, though it highlights growing friction in Uganda’s relationship with the United States. While neither the U.S. Embassy nor the Ugandan government has officially commented on the matter, the deleted tweet continues to reverberate across diplomatic and political circles.
Background of U.S.-Uganda Relations
The relationship between the United States and Uganda dates back to 1962, when Uganda gained independence from British colonial rule. Since then, the two nations have maintained a complex relationship, marked by both cooperation and conflict, particularly over issues of human rights, governance, and democracy.
While President Museveni has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, bringing some stability and economic progress, his government has faced international criticism for its authoritarian tendencies and human rights abuses. Despite these concerns, Uganda remains a strategic ally for the U.S., particularly in the fight against terrorism and maintaining order in the Horn of Africa and East Africa regions.
Muhoozi’s Role and Political Ambitions
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is not only the head of Uganda’s military but also a significant political figure, owing to his status as the president’s son. His involvement in both politics and the military has led to speculation about his potential succession to the presidency. Muhoozi has repeatedly made headlines for his outspoken comments on social media, often blurring the lines between military leadership and political ambition.
This recent incident is just one example of Muhoozi’s growing influence and the controversies surrounding his political aspirations. His tweet, though deleted, highlights the tension between Uganda’s government and foreign powers, especially regarding perceived interference in internal affairs.
Diplomatic Implications
On Friday, Kainerugaba took to X three times to say Uganda was about to have a serious confrontation with Popp for “disrespecting our beloved and celebrated president and for undermining the constitution of Uganda.”
Five hours later, Kainerugaba tweeted again, saying if Popp did not apologize to the president personally by 9 a.m. Monday for what the general called Popp’s undiplomatic behaviour, the government would demand that he leave Uganda.
The demand for an apology from the U.S. ambassador further complicates the already delicate relationship between Uganda and the United States. While the U.S. has historically supported Uganda in various sectors, including security and health, recent years have seen increasing criticism from the West regarding Uganda’s governance and human rights record. Muhoozi’s ultimatum adds another layer of complexity to the diplomatic dynamics between the two nations.
On Wednesday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said four Ugandan police officers had been sanctioned for gross violations of human rights. These included torture and cruel inhumane treatment and punishment.
The police officers were identified as Bob Kagarura, Alex Mwine, Elly Womanya and Hamdani Twesigye.
The State Department said reports of the violations as documented by Ugandan civil court documents, civil society organizations and independent journalists were serious and credible.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the U.S. ambassador will respond to the demand, and how this might affect future relations. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether this situation escalates or is resolved diplomatically.
General Muhoozi’s now-deleted tweet has underscored the fragility of U.S.-Ugandan relations. His direct threat to a foreign diplomat is a rare and provocative move, especially for a country that has long benefited from U.S. aid and partnership. As Uganda continues to navigate its internal political landscape and international relations, all eyes are on how this situation will unfold and what it means for the future of Uganda’s diplomatic standing on the global stage.
