US Senator Calls for Review of Military Ties with Uganda After Kainerugaba's Tweets
A top US senator is pushing for a reassessment of America's security partnership with Uganda following inflammatory social media posts by Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni.
Senator Jim Risch, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, condemned Muhoozi's now-deleted tweets that accused US Embassy staff in Kampala of aiding opposition leader Bobi Wine during a raid on his residence amid post-election tensions.
In the posts, Muhoozi used derogatory language, claimed US diplomats colluded with Wine, and briefly announced a suspension of joint U.S.-Uganda military activities before retracting the statements hours later. He apologized, admitted receiving faulty information, and confirmed direct communication with the US Ambassador, describing the US as "great friends."
Risch rejected the apology as insufficient, stating on X: "Commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba has crossed a red line and now the U.S. must reevaluate its security partnership, which includes sanctions, and military cooperation with Uganda."
He added that the US would not tolerate such "instability and recklessness" when American personnel, interests, and regional lives are involved—especially from someone viewed as a likely future leader.
The incident adds to existing strains in US-Uganda relations, driven by concerns over the disputed January 15 election, reports of opposition crackdowns, arrests, and violence. Long-standing cooperation—including joint training and counterterrorism efforts—could now face adjustments or sanctions.
