General Muhoozi Kainerugaba—the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and son to President Yoweri Museveni—has issued an apology to Western diplomats following a wave of criticism over his recent controversial statements that appeared to threaten foreign envoys. The move follows intense internal pressure, particularly from his influential uncle, General Salim Saleh, a revered military strategist and veteran of Uganda’s armed liberation struggles.
The apology, posted on General Muhoozi’s official social media platforms, was prompted not just by diplomatic complaints but also by a direct intervention from General Saleh, who is widely respected within Uganda’s political and military establishment. Sources close to the matter revealed that Saleh, a key figure in the formation of Uganda’s post-liberation army, had taken it upon himself to mediate between the diplomatic community and the increasingly unpredictable Muhoozi.
In a message laden with familial reverence and subtle contrition, Muhoozi stated:
“Out of respect for my great uncle, Afande Saleh, I shall not mention Germany or bazungu [white people] again. I want to apologize to Afande Saleh if I disobeyed him in any way. Nisamehe Afande [Forgive me, Commander].”
This public climbdown marked a sharp turn in tone for the usually defiant General, whose social media activity has often raised eyebrows both at home and abroad.
Ambassador Jan Sadek, the European Union’s head of delegation in Uganda, had led a delegation of Western diplomats to formally raise concerns with the Ugandan government. He accused Muhoozi of inciting hostility and described his tone as threatening.
“He threatened to bring us to his base,” Sadek remarked. “While we do not expect the UPDF to storm our compounds, the fear lies in what his followers might interpret and act upon. There’s a security risk involved—not just to us, but to civil discourse in Uganda.”
Sadek’s comments came amid growing concern over the UPDF’s alleged heavy-handedness in dealing with opposition figures, a backdrop that amplified the diplomats’ unease about Muhoozi’s remarks.
In an attempt to douse the flames, General Saleh reportedly assured the envoys that Muhoozi’s statements did not reflect official government or military policy. In a strikingly candid explanation, he described his nephew as a “funny guy” whose military philosophy and behavior diverge sharply from Uganda’s foundational army culture.
“Muhoozi never came through the traditional army and NRM bush war command structures,” Saleh noted. “He lacks the grounding in the discipline and ethos we inherited from the trenches.”
He continued with a pointed critique of the modern military leadership, saying:
“You’re studying him as a character. These days, the top military brass have degrees, master’s, even PhDs—but I suspect some of them have psychological issues. Formal education doesn’t guarantee sound judgment.”
Despite this, Saleh extended an olive branch, reassuring the diplomats that action would be taken:
“We shall manage him for you. If he has offended you, we’ll bring him to order.”
The incident underscores not just the generational and ideological divide within Uganda’s military elite, but also the complexities of familial power. General Muhoozi, whose military ascension has been viewed by many as politically motivated, has often positioned himself as a reformist voice—albeit one with a highly controversial public style. His online activity has frequently blurred the lines between personal opinion and state policy, raising fears both internally and internationally.
While the apology may serve to temporarily calm diplomatic tensions, questions remain about Muhoozi’s role in shaping Uganda’s future political landscape. With rumors of a potential presidential bid and a history of unfiltered commentary, the tension between Uganda’s military traditions and its evolving power dynamics remains palpable.
