By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
The president of Uganda’s opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Jimmy Akena, has sharply criticised the country’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, accusing him of making statements that undermine democracy and embarrass the nation.
Speaking during a press conference at party headquarters in Kampala, Akena said Gen Muhoozi’s conduct and public comments, particularly on social media, were unbecoming of a senior military officer and the son of President Yoweri Museveni.
“The office you hold is a very high office,” Akena said, addressing Gen Muhoozi directly. “The sort of statements coming out of the office of the CDF is an embarrassment to all of us as Ugandans.”
Akena criticised what he described as threats by Gen Muhoozi against opposition leaders, questioning how a senior government official could talk about harming political figures who had contested presidential elections and attracted significant public support.
“How can you talk about torturing or killing a person who stood in the presidential election and had the backing of over two million Ugandans?” he asked.
Gen Muhoozi, who is also leader of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), has repeatedly drawn criticism for his social media posts. He has previously made remarks threatening opposition figures including threats to publicly hang former four times presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye, who remains incarcerated in Luzira, and National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
The CDF has also stirred controversy with posts suggesting military action against neighbouring countries such as Kenya and South Sudan, as well as comments targeting foreign diplomats.
In 2025, Gen Muhoozi campaigned for the expulsion of Germany’s ambassador to Uganda, Matthias Schauer, accusing him of engaging in what he described as subversive activities. He has also recently demanded an apology from the United States ambassador to Uganda, William Popp, alleging links with opposition groups.
Akena warned that such rhetoric risked creating fear and weakening democratic principles in Uganda.
“As Ugandans, we cannot be in a situation where anyone who disagrees is threatened with violence,” he said. “That should not be happening in Uganda, especially at a time when we speak about democracy and elections.”
He also accused some individuals within government of treating national resources as though they belonged to political parties or individuals rather than all citizens.
“The resources of Uganda are for all the people of Uganda,” Akena said. “They should not be treated as personal property or used to undermine democracy.”
Akena, whose father Apollo Milton Obote served as Uganda’s president, said leaders from political families must demonstrate responsibility in public conduct.
“If you want to aim for the highest office of Uganda, come prepared,” he said, urging Gen Muhoozi to exercise restraint and maturity.
The UPC leader also criticised recent public pledges by Gen Muhoozi, including claims he could rapidly transform Kampala, questioning why such ideas had not been implemented through existing government structures.
Gen Muhoozi’s public statements have previously caused tensions within government. Uganda’s Information and National Guidance Minister, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, has said the general’s social media posts sometimes complicate official government communication.
“I have discussed this issue with the appointing authority, President Museveni,” Dr Baryomunsi said in earlier remarks. “His tweets make my work a little bit difficult because they cause contradictions.”
Dr Baryomunsi clarified that Gen Muhoozi does not speak on behalf of the government and urged the public not to treat his social media posts as official policy.
In response, Gen Muhoozi criticised the minister, describing him as a traitor and warning that he could face arrest if he continued mentioning him publicly.
“Baryomunsi, the traitor, will never be a Minister again,” Muhoozi posted on X. “If he ever utters my name again anywhere, I will arrest him on the spot.”
Additionally, Akena said Uganda’s future depended on strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring political competition did not lead to intimidation or violence.
“Uganda should be the winner at the end of any election,” he said. “Not individuals, but the people.”
Gen Muhoozi has not publicly responded to Akena’s latest comments.
