General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, made a sudden return to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, just days after announcing his departure to focus on his military duties.
Kainerugaba’s first post since his brief hiatus read simply: “I’m back!” However, it was his subsequent statement that sparked widespread criticism. He ordered security forces to arrest members of the opposition, particularly those associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP), if they were seen wearing clothing resembling military uniforms. “Anyone disregarding this order… has their own problems,” he added, implying serious consequences.
His return to social media came only a week after he had told his more than one million followers that he was stepping back from online activity to concentrate on his role as head of the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). At the time, Kainerugaba referred to his social media journey as a “whirlwind” and stated that he needed to dedicate himself to military affairs.
The latest directive has raised concerns over potential human rights abuses, particularly regarding the treatment of political opponents in Uganda. Critics have voiced alarm over the implications of his call to action, warning it could be used to suppress political dissent and further limit freedoms in the country.
Kainerugaba’s controversial presence on social media has often stirred debate, as his comments often blur the lines between his military responsibilities and political influence.
