The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has sparked controversy by declaring his refusal to appear before Uganda’s Parliament.
“I WILL NEVER appear before parliamentary CLOWNS,” Gen. Muhoozi posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday evening. He added, “Instead I will ARREST them all.”
His comments came in response to the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee’s refusal to review the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs’ budget proposals without his physical attendance.
The committee, chaired by Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko, insisted on Gen. Muhoozi’s presence, citing concerns over his controversial social media activity.
Minister Faces Committee’s Wrath
Mr. Oboth-Oboth, accompanied by a delegation led by Deputy CDF Lt. Gen. Samuel Okiding, had appeared to discuss the 2024/25 Budget Framework Paper for the Ministry of Defense.
However, legislators including Mr. Joel Ssebikali, Godfrey Wakooli, and Derrick Nyeko demanded that Gen. Muhoozi personally appear to address the contentious issues surrounding his tweets.
“There are questions that the CDF has to personally reply to us,” said Mr. Nyeko, referencing posts that included threats and inflammatory remarks against political figures and foreign ambassadors.
Opposition Members Highlight Concerns
Mr. Nyeko, a member of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), accused Gen. Muhoozi of actions that have escalated political tensions.
He recalled threats made via tweets against opposition leaders such as Robert Kyagulanyi (NUP President) and Dr. Kizza Besigye, as well as aggressive comments targeting foreign diplomats.
Other legislators echoed these sentiments. Butiru County MP Mr. Wakooli criticized the absence of Gen. Muhoozi, stating,
“We sacrifice time for our committee. How does the deputy CDF know, and the CDF does not? They should know that this committee is here to help them.”
Committee Chair Seeks Compromise
Committee chairperson Mr. Wilson Kajwengye initially sought to move forward with the session without Gen. Muhoozi’s presence, proposing that the matter be addressed when the Ministry presents the UPDF Amendment Bill.
However, his efforts to continue the session were rejected by his colleagues.
“Next week, when the UPDF presents the Amendment Bill, the CDF can respond directly,” Mr. Kajwengye suggested, but his recommendation failed to appease the legislators.
Defense Minister Defends Gen. Muhoozi
In response, Minister Oboth-Oboth explained that the Ministry does not manage Gen. Muhoozi’s personal social media accounts.
“About his tweets, as a Ministry, we don’t manage his handle. It is really personal,” he said, adding that he would ensure the CDF answers these concerns when summoned.
Lt. Gen. Okiding clarified that Gen. Muhoozi was traveling and unavailable, but noted that he had informed him about the committee session.
Gen. Muhoozi’s Controversial Social Media Activity
Gen. Muhoozi’s social media activity has repeatedly sparked diplomatic tensions.
- Kenya-Uganda Diplomatic Row (2022): Gen. Muhoozi’s claim that he could capture Nairobi in two weeks led to public apologies from Uganda’s government.
- Threat to U.S. Ambassador (2023): He demanded an apology from U.S. Ambassador William Popp or face expulsion from Uganda.
- Domestic Political Threats: His tweets have also included threats against opposition leaders, further intensifying Uganda’s political divisions.
President Museveni’s administration has consistently distanced itself from Gen. Muhoozi’s posts, maintaining Uganda’s commitment to peaceful international relations.
