The Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued a strong warning regarding the current U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp.
In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Gen. Muhoozi hinted at an impending diplomatic clash between Uganda and the United States.
“Fellow Ugandans, it is my solemn duty to announce to you all that we, as a nation, are about to have a serious confrontation with the current U.S. Ambassador to our country. For disrespecting our beloved and celebrated President and for undermining the constitution of Uganda,” Gen. Muhoozi tweeted.
This message follows closely on the heels of U.S. sanctions against four Ugandan police officials accused of human rights violations.
The U.S. Sanctions
Recently, the U.S. Department of State took action to address human rights abuses in Uganda by sanctioning four members of the Uganda Police Force (UPF).
These sanctions are a response to their alleged involvement in severe human rights violations, including torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
The officials named in the sanctions include:
- Bob Kagarura – former Wamala Regional Police Commander
- Alex Mwine – former District Police Commander for Mitanya District
- Elly Womanya – Senior Commissioner and Deputy Director of the UPF’s Criminal Investigations Division (Special Investigations Unit)
- Hamdani Twesigye – Deputy Inspector of Police assigned to the Special Investigations Unit
As a result of the sanctions, these individuals and their immediate families are barred from entering the United States.
The U.S. government stated that the allegations against these officials are backed by credible evidence from Ugandan civil court documents, civil society organizations, and independent journalists.
The public designation of these individuals is seen as a reaffirmation of the U.S. commitment to promoting human rights and ensuring accountability for those who violate them.
