Muhoozi 'withdraws' ultimatum as US warns of "very serious" response
by OUR REPORTER · The ObserverThe United States has issued a stern warning to Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, following his recent threats against US Ambassador William Popp.
Muhoozi, who is also President Yoweri Museveni's son, was cautioned that any further escalation would be “very problematic” and met with “a serious response.”
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Muhoozi gave Ambassador Popp a Monday 9 am ultimatum to personally apologize to his father for what he described as undiplomatic behaviour. Muhoozi further warned of a looming "serious confrontation" with the ambassador, accusing him of disrespecting Museveni and undermining Uganda's constitution.
The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee (@SenateForeign) directly responded to Muhoozi's now-deleted posts, stating, “Any further confrontation will be very problematic & met with a serious response. U.S. Amb. Popp & @usmissionuganda engage with the government & others in Uganda on a non-partisan basis to strengthen ties between the American & Ugandan people.”
The exact cause of Muhoozi’s tirade remains unclear, but some reports suggest it was triggered by an alleged letter from Ambassador Popp advising Museveni not to run for re-election in 2026, citing concerns for Uganda’s and the region’s stability. This week, the US also imposed sanctions on four Ugandan police officers for human rights abuses.
Once a key ally of the West in regional security and stability, Museveni has expressed his intent to extend his 40-year rule beyond 2026. Although Muhoozi had previously indicated interest in succeeding his father, he recently urged his supporters to rally behind Museveni instead.
On Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said four Ugandan police officers had been sanctioned for gross violations of human rights. These included torture and cruel inhumane treatment and punishment. The police officers were identified as Bob Kagarura, Alex Mwine, Elly Womanya and Hamdani Twesigye.
The State Department said reports of the violations as documented by Ugandan civil court documents, civil society organizations and independent journalists were serious and credible. Ugandan authorities did not respond to requests for comment.
A report released last month by the African Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV), noted that torture cases in Uganda were on the rise despite laws against the practice. Herbert Sam Nsubuga, executive director of ACTV, said the organization was concerned about the situation in Uganda.
“The situation is not as good as we want it to be,” Nsubuga said. “Because just halfway this year, we have made 903 cases. So, it’s still really an issue.”
In 2023, monitors in Uganda recorded 1,235 cases of torture, with the Uganda People’s Defense Forces and police as top perpetrators. The four designated officers in April 2020 raided a Ugandan legislator's home, accusing him of violating the regulations put in place to control the spread of COVID-19 as he distributed food to vulnerable communities.
According to records produced in court, the legislator, Francis Zaake, was arrested and detained at the Defense Intelligence and Security headquarters, where he was tortured before he was left at a hospital. He later sued the four officers, and a court awarded him $20,400.
In response to Muhoozi’s threats, the US Embassy in Uganda quoted State Department spokesman Miller as saying the embassy, the ambassador and the US government were continuing to work directly and normally every day with Ugandan authorities on a full range of issues.
Miller said in accordance with US law, the United States was committed to supporting justice for victims and accountability of those involved in human rights violations around the world. This, he said, includes denying or restricting travel visas to visit the United States for individuals when there is demonstrated evidence that they have committed abuses.
Speaking to VOA, Sewanyana Livingstone, director of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative Uganda, said Muhoozi has no authority to declare Popp persona non grata unless he is appointed minister of foreign affairs. Sewanyana said Muhoozi’s comments should be dismissed.
“He needs to calm down. He needs to understand that Uganda is not him, neither is he Uganda,” Sewanyana said.
“Uganda will always be there. Sanctions are not the functions of an ambassador. They are issued by the State Department. So, I think he is even targeting the wrong person. I think Ugandans need to call him to order. It’s high time.”