Muhoozi’s “Heroes Day Hanging” Tweet Sparks Outrage: A Chilling Pattern of Threats

KAMPALA – On January 16, 2025, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, reopened his Twitter account with a shocking declaration:

“We will hang Colonel KB on Heroes Day…..”

This controversial tweet, a direct reference to Dr. Kizza Besigye (KB), a long-time opposition leader and former ally of Museveni, has reignited public outrage. Critics point out that this is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern of incendiary remarks from the president’s son targeting political opponents.

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A Pattern of Threats

Earlier this month, Muhoozi tweeted that he would “behead Kabobi,” a derogatory reference to Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), another prominent opposition figure. He has also repeatedly targeted high-ranking figures within Uganda’s political and military elite, including disparaging remarks about  General Mugisha Muntu, the former UPDF army commander, General Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister of Internal Affairs, about Lieutenant General  Elwelu, he called him A “Buffoon” And “completely unworthy” of serving in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). These remarks were, posted on his X (Formerly Twitter),

The implications of Muhoozi’s threats go beyond rhetoric. Dr. Kizza Besigye is currently on remand at Luzira Maximum Prison, facing politically charged accusations. As the head of the army and CDF, Muhoozi wields considerable influence over the very system prosecuting Besigye, raising serious concerns about impartiality and justice.

Winnie Byanyima’s Lamentation

Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, has publicly decried Muhoozi’s tweet and the broader judicial system under which her husband is being tried. In a statement, she expressed deep sorrow and indignation:

“The head of the army and president @KagutaMuseveni’s son has condemned @kizzabesigye1 to death by hanging and set a date & venue to hang him (as he celebrates I suppose) before he is heard.

The charges against @kizzabesigye1 & Obed Lutaale are political. President @KagutaMuseveni & his son run the army. The military court falls under them. Father and son are the accusers and the judges in the case against my husband.

I do not expect justice. 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. Gakyali Mabaga!”

Political Weaponization of the Military

Analysts argue that the intertwining of military power and political maneuvering under President Museveni’s regime has reached alarming levels. By serving as both prosecutor and judge, the military court system undermines any semblance of due process for those perceived as adversaries of the state.

The chilling nature of Muhoozi’s threats only amplifies the growing fears of a descent into autocracy. Such rhetoric not only imperils Uganda’s democratic aspirations but also normalizes violence as a means of silencing dissent.

Heroes Day or Day of Reckoning?

As the nation approaches Heroes Day, the significance of Muhoozi’s tweet looms large. Observers question whether this event will serve as a somber reminder of Uganda’s deepening political crisis or a turning point in the nation’s history.

With Dr. Kizza Besigye’s life hanging in the balance and public outcry mounting, Uganda faces an urgent reckoning. Will the country’s leaders heed the call for justice and equality, or will this tweet mark another dark chapter in Uganda’s political narrative?

The struggle, as Winnie Byanyima poignantly put it, continues. Gakyali Mabaga!