The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has refused to comply with a parliamentary summons, instead threatening to detain the legislators who issued the call.
“I will never appear before parliamentary clowns,” Gen. Muhoozi declared on X (formerly Twitter). “Instead, I will arrest them all.”
He further claimed his first move after detaining the MPs would be to summon them for a discussion, warning, “If anyone even coughs the wrong way, I will arrest them on the spot.”
Additionally, he demanded an immediate allocation of Shs1 trillion for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), asserting that Parliament would have no choice but to approve the funds.
The Defence and Internal Affairs Committee had summoned the CDF to address a series of controversial social media posts that have provoked both national and international criticism.
These include inflammatory remarks such as threats to “behead” opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and calls for the execution of former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, whom Muhoozi labeled a “traitor” and “clown.”
Gen. Muhoozi’s refusal to appear and his inflammatory statements have reignited debates about the role of the military in Ugandan politics.
Shadow Cabinet Minister Derrick Nyeko expressed grave concerns, saying, “How can we tolerate such reckless statements from someone holding the nation’s highest military office?”
The committee’s session was temporarily suspended as lawmakers discussed how Gen. Muhoozi’s behavior reflects on the UPDF’s image as a professional and disciplined force.
Critics argue that his rhetoric undermines Uganda’s political stability and the military’s constitutionally mandated neutrality, as outlined in the UPDF Act.
This latest controversy follows a pattern of provocative statements by Gen. Muhoozi, who has previously used social media to voice support for extreme measures against political opponents.
The general’s growing influence and his role as President Museveni’s son have raised further questions about the intersection of the military and politics in Uganda.
As tensions between the military and Parliament escalate, many are left questioning how the government will address the situation.
Critics warn that political engagement by the military jeopardizes Uganda’s democratic institutions, while supporters claim Gen. Muhoozi’s actions aim to preserve national security.
The standoff has drawn attention to the UPDF’s constitutional duty to act as a nonpartisan and professional force, tasked with protecting Uganda and ensuring a stable and secure environment for all citizens.
