Reports have emerged that Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni’s military son Muhoozi Kainerubaga could be on the verge of losing his job, hours after a veiled threat social media threat suggesting a possible incursion into the Kenyan territory.
On Monday, October 3, Kenyans reacted furiously to a series of tweets from Muhoozi, who threatened to invade Nairobi, triggering an online diplomatic tiff between netizens of the two East African nations.
Muhoozi began by insinuating that Uganda is anchored on revolution and not the rule of law while defending his advice to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who he opined should have breached the constitution to vie for the third time.
“My only problem with my beloved big brother is that he didn’t stand for a third term. We would have won easily,” he wrote.
My only problem with my beloved big brother is that he didn't stand for a third term. We would have won easily! pic.twitter.com/6fmsJSXkii
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) October 3, 2022
He then proceeded to tweet about how his army could capture Nairobi within two weeks.
“It wouldn’t take me and my army two weeks to capture Nairobi,” he said.
https://twitter.com/mkainerugaba/status/1576920685787590656?s=20&t=94AiqOZ9zYv54rFGY6FJmg
But on Tuesday morning he apologized, asking the myriad Kenyans on Twitter who had torn into him and called his bluff to loosen up a bit.
“I would never beat up the Kenyan army because my father told me never to attempt it! So our people in Kenya should relax,” Muhoozi tweeted.
I would never beat up the Kenyan army because my father told me never to attempt it! So our people in Kenya should relax!
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) October 3, 2022
In his latest tweet, Muhoozi, who appears to have totally mellowed out, disclosed that he held a discussion with his father regarding yesterday’s social media meltdown.
From the look of things, Museveni is amused by his son’s antics.
He also hinted at an incoming announcement from President Museveni, noting that “he will announce the changes”.
“Had a good discussion with my great father this morning. Apparently, my tweets scared Kenyans too much? He will announce the changes. There is a special prayer I shall make for our army,” he wrote.
Had a good discussion with my great father this morning. Apparently, my tweets scared Kenyans too much? He will announce the changes. There is a special prayer I shall make for our army. 🙏
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) October 4, 2022
Foreign affairs experts say that William Ruto’s Presidency is not in any dilemma, whatsoever, regarding its diplomatic relations with Uganda and his close ties with Museveni.
Those close to President Ruto, however, have expressed concerns about how Muhoozi, who is the commander of the land forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) could utter such reckless and controversial remarks.
Nandi senator Samson Cherargei has also faulted General Muhoozi over his controversial tweets about Kenya.
Cherargei said the posts by the army general posed a danger to the unity of the East African Community (EAC).
“I expect by morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the Ugandan ambassador to shed light on Gen. Muhoozi’s social media outbursts & subsequent apology. This is undermining the spirit of unity of EAC,” Cherargei said.
Hours later, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS designate Dr Alfred Mutua revealed he had met with Uganda’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Amb. Dr Hassan Galiwango.
Although not much has been publicized, Dr Mutua noted they discussed “interesting matters”.
This morning I shared a social cup of tea with Amb. Dr Hassan Galiwango – Uganda High Commissioner to Kenya. We discussed interesting matters. Mambo iko Sawa. pic.twitter.com/fRn8ffygmn
— Dr. Alfred N. Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) October 4, 2022
Muhoozi’s remarks on Kenya come barely a week after he spoke a different language on the Ethiopian conflict, resulting from a trip to Addis Ababa and apparent lobbying by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.
Muhoozi had irked authorities in Addis Ababa when he tweeted support for the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the rebels opposed to Abiy, and sided with Egypt in a statement presumed to take sides on the controversial Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam (Gerd).
Muhoozi, 49, rose to his current rank following his appointment in June 2021.
It was the second time Museveni was promoting his son in the hierarchy of the army in six months.
