Why Ugandans Must Take Muhoozi’s Tweets Seriously

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Uganda Today Edition: The Perils of Power: Why Ugandans Must Take Muhoozi’s Tweets Seriously

By Uganda Today Analysis desk

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has often dismissed his own Twitter outbursts as mere jokes, insisting that Ugandans should not take them seriously. However, given his track record and the troubling developments on the ground, it is imperative to ask: Can Ugandans afford to ignore the statements of the most powerful military officer in the country?

The ‘Apology’ That Foretold State Repression

Not long ago, Muhoozi issued a cryptic yet telling tweet, apologizing to Ugandans in advance for what he was about to do to supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP). While some laughed it off as another instance of his online recklessness, reality has proven that such statements cannot be brushed aside. In the wake of this so-called apology, Uganda has witnessed a surge in enforced disappearances, abductions, and torture of opposition supporters, particularly those associated with NUP.

This pattern of state-sanctioned violence is eerily similar to previous crackdowns on dissent, particularly under his father’s 38-year-old regime. The chilling effect of Muhoozi’s statements is not simply in their absurdity but in their tendency to materialize into real-life oppression. The expectation that a sitting CDF can freely tweet about impending human rights violations and then watch them unfold speaks volumes about the militarization of Uganda’s politics and the disregard for constitutional rights.

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The Weight of Words from a CDF

It is a dangerous precedent when a top military officer trivializes his public statements, reducing them to the level of internet banter while holding a position that directly determines the fate of national security. In any democratic society, the head of the armed forces is expected to be a figure of discipline, impartiality, and commitment to protecting citizens’ rights. Instead, Uganda’s CDF has become a Twitter personality whose posts read like the ramblings of an impulsive strongman rather than measured communications from a professional soldier.

Under normal circumstances, an individual in Muhoozi’s position would be subjected to scrutiny for openly engaging in political threats, let alone confirming his involvement in human rights abuses before they even take place. His tweets are not just words; they are indicative of a military leadership that sees itself as above the law, untouchable, and unaccountable.

The Nexus Between Muhoozi’s Tweets and State Actions

If history has taught us anything, it is that authoritarian leaders often reveal their intentions through their own words. Muhoozi’s social media presence is no exception. When he joked about invading Kenya, the diplomatic community took note. When he declared himself Uganda’s next leader, the conversation about a dynastic transition intensified. When he ‘apologized’ for an impending crackdown on NUP supporters, state-orchestrated abductions spiked.

It is no coincidence that Muhoozi’s online utterances consistently mirror what happens on the ground. His statements provide a window into the government’s unofficial policy—what is said in jest online is later executed in brutal reality.

State of the Opposition: A Systematic Crackdown

Uganda’s opposition has long been on the receiving end of state repression, but under Muhoozi’s influence, the situation has worsened. Political figures like Dr. Kizza Besigye have been repeatedly arrested under questionable legal grounds, while NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) continues to be harassed at every turn. Opposition activists disappear without trace, and those who are released recount horrifying tales of torture.

Yet, despite the grim reality, Muhoozi’s tweets receive little to no accountability from the institutions meant to uphold the rule of law. The Ugandan military, government agencies, and even international actors largely remain silent on his dangerous rhetoric. This silence emboldens him further, giving him the confidence to tweet—and act—without restraint.

A Nation Held Hostage by Online Antics

The biggest danger in dismissing Muhoozi’s tweets as harmless is that it normalizes the idea that the military’s role in governance should be absolute and unquestioned. The line between governance and militarization has already blurred significantly under President Museveni’s rule, and his son’s unchecked online escapades only accelerate this trend.

For Ugandans, the message is clear: every tweet from Muhoozi is a prelude to something worse. His words are not just personal opinions; they are informal policy directives, often foreshadowing state actions. Until accountability is demanded, both online and offline, the country will continue to be subjected to the whims of a leader who sees governance as a personal playground.

Conclusion: Time for Ugandans to Wake Up

The public can no longer afford to treat Muhoozi’s tweets as mere provocations or jokes. They are a reflection of his mindset and an insight into what Uganda’s future could look like under his leadership. The ongoing crackdown on NUP supporters, the silencing of dissent, and the overall climate of fear in the country are not accidents; they are orchestrated moves that Muhoozi himself foreshadows.

Ugandans must take his words seriously, not because they are profound, but because they are dangerous. The nation must demand accountability, push back against impunity, and refuse to let Uganda’s future be dictated by the erratic musings of a general whose words are often more alarming than they are amusing.

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