By Abiola Olawale
There is escalating political tension in Uganda following Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni threat to behead the opposition leader in the country.
Gen Kainerugaba who also heads Uganda’s military, made headlines due to the controversial threat which he issued via a social media post on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
The President’s son did not only threaten to behead the leader of Uganda’s opposition National Unity Platform, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine but also warned that it was because of his father that he hasn’t carried out the threat.
This threat came via a post on X where Kainerugaba claimed that his father was the only reason Bobi Wine was still unharmed, stating, “If Mzee was not there, I would cut off his head today.”
Reacting, Bobi Wine condemned the threat, emphasizing that it should not be taken lightly by the Ugandan people.
He noted that there have been previous attempts on his life and the broader context of alleged intimidation against political opposition in Uganda.
He said: “The threat by Museveni’s son (who also heads Uganda’s military) to behead me is not something I take lightly, given that many have been killed by him and his father, and considering their several attempts at my life. I refuse to be intimidated by the cowardly regime. The world is watching.”
However, the Ugandan government has immediately downplayed Kainerugaba’s social media post, suggesting they are “casual” remarks not to be interpreted as official policy.
The New Diplomat reports that Kainerugaba is known for his provocative statements, including previous threats, including one in 2022, wherein he threatened to invade Kenya.
Indeed, in October 2022, Kainerugaba tweeted that it would take him and his army only two weeks to capture Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, a statement which sparked major controversy and diplomatic tension between Uganda and Kenya. He later clarified that his comments were made as a joke.
Following these tweets, President Museveni issued an apology to the Kenyan people, distancing the Ugandan government from his son’s statements.
