Following his recent threats directed at U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp, the United States has issued a strong warning to Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Muhoozi, also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, was cautioned that any further escalation could lead to “serious consequences” and would be met with a “firm response.”
The warning came after Muhoozi, in a series of now-deleted posts on X (formerly Twitter), issued an ultimatum to Ambassador Popp, demanding that he apologise to his father, President Museveni, by Monday at 9 a.m. Muhoozi accused Popp of exhibiting undiplomatic behaviour, disrespecting his father, and undermining Uganda’s constitution. He also warned of a looming “serious confrontation” between Uganda and the United States if his demands were unmet.
In response to Muhoozi’s outbursts, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (@SenateForeign) took to social media, stating, “Any further confrontation will be very problematic & met with a serious response. U.S. Ambassador Popp & @usmissionuganda engage with the government & others in Uganda on a non-partisan basis to strengthen ties between the American & Ugandan people.”
While the precise cause of Muhoozi’s anger remains unclear, some reports suggest that it may have been triggered by an alleged letter from Ambassador Popp advising President Museveni not to seek re-election in 2026 due to concerns about Uganda’s and the region’s stability.
Last week, the U.S. also imposed sanctions on four Ugandan police officers for their involvement in human rights abuses, further straining diplomatic ties.
President Museveni, once a key ally of the West in regional security, has made it clear that he intends to extend his 40-year rule beyond 2026. While Muhoozi had previously expressed interest in succeeding his father, he recently shifted gears and urged his supporters to rally behind Museveni instead.
On Wednesday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced sanctions against four Ugandan police officers—Bob Kagarura, Alex Mwine, Elly Womanya, and Hamdani Twesigye—citing their involvement in gross human rights violations, including torture and cruel treatment.
The violations, documented by Ugandan civil society, court documents, and independent journalists, were deemed credible by U.S. authorities.
The sanctioned officers had reportedly raided the home of Ugandan legislator Francis Zaake in April 2020, arresting and torturing him under the guise of enforcing COVID-19 regulations.
In response to Muhoozi’s threats, the U.S. Embassy in Uganda reiterated that it continues to work with Ugandan authorities on various issues, despite the general’s remarks.
The U.S. State Department emphasised its commitment to holding individuals accountable for human rights abuses and reiterated its legal stance on restricting travel for those involved in such violations.
Human rights advocates in Uganda have also weighed in on the matter. Sewanyana Livingstone, director of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative Uganda, dismissed Muhoozi’s remarks, noting that he lacks the authority to declare Ambassador Popp persona non grata.
“He needs to calm down and realise that Uganda is not him, and he is not Uganda,” Sewanyana said, stressing that sanctions are a function of the U.S. State Department, not the ambassador.
Sewanyana further called for restraint, noting that Ugandans must act responsibly and bring Muhoozi’s conduct under control to prevent further deterioration of relations between Uganda and the United States.
