Ugandan general returns to X to ‘shake up the world’
3 min read
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, has returned to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) just a week after quitting, citing a renewed focus on his military responsibilities. In his typical bold style, the 50-year-old army general posted a brief message: “I’m back!” on his verified account (@mkainerugaba), quickly gaining hundreds of followers. His return was marked by a series of provocative posts, promising to “shake up this world.”
Kainerugaba, who heads Uganda’s land forces, has become an increasingly controversial figure in the country, straddling the line between military duties and political ambitions. Critics accuse him of violating military protocol by actively engaging in politics, sparking ongoing debate about his potential desire to succeed his father, who has been in power since 1986.
One of Kainerugaba’s recent tweets, which caused significant outrage, was a threat against Bobi Wine, Uganda’s leading opposition figure. He made a chilling remark about beheading Wine, drawing widespread condemnation both within Uganda and internationally. Though the general later apologized, dismissing the statement as a joke, Bobi Wine rejected the dismissal, insisting that such threats could not be taken lightly. Kainerugaba’s rhetoric has raised concerns over his influence and his approach to opposition figures in the country.
Kainerugaba also directed his ire at the United States, threatening to deport an unnamed US diplomat who allegedly failed to “salute” him. “My only problem is the US Defense Attaché. If I find him anywhere…and he doesn’t stand up and salute me… I will arrest him on the spot!” Kainerugaba declared. This statement added to the growing list of diplomatic tensions fueled by the general’s social media activity.
The general’s return to X marks the second time in three years that he has quit the platform only to return shortly afterward. In 2022, Kainerugaba left the platform, only to resume his online activity a few days later. His social media presence has been a source of both admiration and criticism, frequently stirring controversy and diplomatic incidents. One of the most notable controversies came in 2022 when Kainerugaba suggested a military invasion of neighboring Kenya, a comment that prompted a public apology from his father, President Museveni, who clarified that his son was not representing government policy.
Kainerugaba’s actions and statements on social media have drawn both domestic and international concern. While the Ugandan government downplayed the general’s remarks, calling them “casual” and not reflective of official policy, the public remains divided. Some see his posts as a sign of his growing ambition, while others view them as a dangerous attempt to undermine opposition voices and challenge political norms.
Despite his controversies, Kainerugaba’s rise within Uganda’s political and military circles has sparked speculation about his future. Many believe he is being groomed to eventually take over from his father, although President Museveni has consistently denied such claims. The younger Kainerugaba’s continued engagement in political affairs, particularly through social media, has led to increasing scrutiny of his potential aspirations.
Currently, Kainerugaba’s X account has more than 1,000 followers, a far cry from the over one million followers he had amassed on his previous account before his hiatus. In his return message, he encouraged his supporters to follow him again, saying, “I want all my people back. Bring them all back!”
As Kainerugaba’s online presence grows, his influence continues to stir debate in Uganda and beyond. His tweets, often bold and controversial, have the potential to shape the political landscape in Uganda, and his actions are likely to remain under close scrutiny as the country approaches future elections.
About The Author
