Ugandan Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued a sharp warning to the United States following renewed calls in Washington for sanctions against him and President Yoweri Museveni’s administration.
Speaking through a public statement shared on social media, Muhoozi dismissed the possibility of external pressure influencing Uganda’s political or security decisions.
He argued that sanctions would not intimidate Kampala and suggested that Uganda would take reciprocal measures if targeted by foreign punitive actions.
His remarks come amid growing scrutiny from some U.S. lawmakers over governance, human rights concerns, and Uganda’s regional military engagements.
Muhoozi’s comments were widely interpreted as a direct response to recent statements attributed to U.S. political figures pushing for tougher measures against senior Ugandan officials.
He portrayed such moves as interference in Uganda’s sovereignty, insisting that the country remains capable of defending its interests without reliance on Western approval.
The statement has reignited debate over Uganda–U.S. relations, which have historically been anchored on security cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa.
Analysts note that while ties remain intact, public exchanges of this nature signal increasing strain and a shift toward more confrontational diplomacy from Kampala’s leadership.
Critics within Uganda argue that escalating rhetoric risks undermining long-standing partnerships and could have economic and diplomatic consequences.
Supporters, however, view Muhoozi’s stance as a necessary assertion of independence in the face of what they see as selective international pressure.
Neither the Ugandan government nor the U.S. administration has announced any immediate policy changes following the remarks.
However, the exchange has drawn significant attention across East Africa, highlighting the delicate balance between national sovereignty, international alliances, and global accountability.
As regional and global observers watch closely, the episode underscores how social media-driven diplomacy is increasingly shaping high-level political discourse, often blurring the line between official state positions and personal political messaging.