Tensions between Uganda and the United States have risen after a sharp exchange on social media involving Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and a senior US senator.
The disagreement has drawn attention to the long-standing security relationship between the two countries and raised questions about diplomacy, respect, and the use of social media by senior officials.
The issue began when General Muhoozi made posts on X claiming that the US Embassy in Kampala had assisted opposition leader Bobi Wine to escape or had interfered in Uganda’s internal affairs.
These claims quickly attracted attention and concern in Washington. The general later deleted the posts and apologised, explaining that he had relied on incorrect information and had since spoken with the US Ambassador.
In an attempt to calm the situation, he said, “Cooperation will continue as normal.”
Despite the apology, the response from the United States was firm. On January 31, 2026, US Senator Jim Risch, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a public warning.
In his post on X, he said that General Muhoozi had crossed a red line and called on Washington to reassess its security partnership with Uganda.
This included the possibility of sanctions and changes to military cooperation. Senator Risch wrote, “The president’s son, and likely successor, cannot just delete tweets and issue hollow apologies.
The U.S. will not tolerate this level of instability and recklessness.
”The senator’s remarks did not sit well with Ugandan officials. President Yoweri Museveni’s son responded strongly on Tuesday, February 3, rejecting the warning and defending Uganda’s dignity. In a defiant post, he addressed the senator directly and challenged his authority to issue such statements.
He wrote, “My name is not ‘Commander @mkainerugaba’. My name is General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. What ‘Red line’ have I crossed according to you? You can re-evaluate whatever you want as far as our co-operation is concerned but you will never DEMEAN and DEGRADE us. You will never make us your slaves.”
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces also weighed in on the matter.
Acting Defence Public Information Officer and Spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi dismissed Senator Risch’s comments as interference in Uganda’s internal affairs.
In a February 1 tweet, he stressed Uganda’s sovereignty and democratic process. “Uganda is a sovereign and independent country,” he wrote.
He added that Ugandans had recently re-elected President Yoweri Museveni and other leaders with a strong mandate, noting that the President received 72% electoral backing.
Colonel Magezi further explained that the UPDF remains loyal to the President and the decisions made by Ugandans. He described the senator’s remarks as threats and intimidation by a foreign power and called them an outdated colonial tactic.
He also reminded observers of the long history of cooperation between Uganda and the United States in areas such as defence, security, health, and education.
“The beneficial relationship between our two countries will not change because of one wayward and loose cannon senator,” he concluded.
Even as calls for calm emerged, General Muhoozi showed no sign of backing down. He doubled down on his position, openly correcting the US senator on his military title and repeating his earlier sentiments.
