By Dean Lubowa Saava
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has sparked controversy with his defiant stance against appearing before Parliament. In a fiery post on social media, Muhoozi labeled lawmakers “parliamentary CLOWNS” and vowed never to attend a parliamentary session.
The CDF’s outburst came in response to the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee’s insistence that he appear before them to address concerns over his contentious social media activity. Muhoozi’s tweets have repeatedly ignited diplomatic tensions, including a public apology from Uganda’s government after he claimed he could capture Nairobi in two weeks.
Muhoozi’s refusal to appear before Parliament has raised eyebrows, with many questioning his willingness to be held accountable. The CDF’s statement that he would rather arrest lawmakers than appear before them has only added fuel to the fire. This development has highlighted the tense relationship between the military and Parliament, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency.
The Defence and Internal Affairs Committee had sought Muhoozi’s presence to address concerns over his tweets, which have included threats against opposition leaders and foreign diplomats. However, Muhoozi maintained that he would not be intimidated, stating that he would arrest lawmakers instead of appearing before them.
This standoff has sparked a wider debate about the role of the military in Uganda’s politics and the need for greater accountability. As the controversy continues to unfold, many are watching to see how the situation will be resolved.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has refused to appear before Uganda’s Parliament, calling lawmakers “parliamentary CLOWNS” and threatening to arrest them instead. This defiance came after the Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee refused to review the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs’ budget proposals without his physical presence.
The committee, chaired by Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko, took issue with Gen. Muhoozi’s controversial social media posts, including threats to hang opposition leaders Robert Kyagulanyi and Dr. Kizza Besigye. They accused him of making reckless public statements that have escalated political tensions.
Gen. Muhoozi’s social media activity has repeatedly sparked controversy, including a diplomatic row with Kenya in 2022 and a threat to expel the U.S. Ambassador in 2023. His posts have also targeted foreign diplomats and opposition leaders, further intensifying Uganda’s political divisions.
The Defence Minister, Oboth-Oboth, defended Gen. Muhoozi, stating that the Ministry doesn’t manage his personal social media accounts. However, the committee remains adamant that Gen. Muhoozi must appear before them to address their concerns.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has sparked controversy with his refusal to appear before Parliament. This comes after opposition figures, including Dr. Kizza Besigye, who is currently facing terrorism charges in the Court Martial overseen by Muhoozi, have been critical of the government.
Theodore Sekikuubo, a committee member, expressed deep concern about the implications of Muhoozi’s actions, calling it an “institutional breakdown.” He emphasized the urgency of the meeting, stating that Parliament’s oversight role over the UPDF is at stake.
Defense Minister Jacob Oboth apologized for Muhoozi’s absence but distanced the Ministry from his tweets, describing them as personal views. However, this explanation did not satisfy the committee, with Wilson Kajwengye, MP for Nyabushozi County, reiterating the need for Muhoozi’s presence.
Muhoozi’s history of controversy includes threatening to invade Kenya and capture Nairobi, as well as expressing support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. His tweets have also been criticized for promoting tribalism and being drunken rants.
The committee has instructed the Ministry to ensure Muhoozi appears before Parliament next Monday at 9:00 AM. This development highlights the ongoing tensions between the military and Parliament in Uganda.
The controversy surrounding Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s tweets has reached a boiling point. The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) is under fire for his reckless statements, which have tarnished the Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ (UPDF) image and risked diplomatic fallout.
One of his most recent tweets sparked outrage by stating that Dr. Kizza Besigye would be executed on Heroes’ Day. Besigye’s wife, Eng. Winnie Byanyima, expressed her concerns about the military court’s ability to deliver justice, citing President Museveni and his son’s control over the army.
Byanyima boldly stated, “I will watch this travesty of justice at the sham military court, and I will attend the hanging you have planned. When you are done, I will honour and bury a true hero of Uganda and Africa. The struggle for our rights, for equality and justice will continue.”
The Defence and Internal Affairs Committee has demanded that Gen. Muhoozi appears before them to address these concerns. Committee members Kajwengye and Nyeko emphasized that the CDF’s presence is necessary, as his deputies cannot adequately address the issue.
