A diplomatic dispute has erupted between Uganda and the United States following remarks by a senior US senator calling for sanctions against Kampala, a move Ugandan officials have dismissed as political interference.
The row centres on Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who earlier this week posted messages on social media accusing the US Embassy in Kampala of overstepping into Uganda’s internal political affairs. The army chief, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, went on to suggest that Uganda should reconsider military cooperation with Washington, including joint security operations in the Horn of Africa.
The posts, which made reference to opposition figure Bobi Wine, quickly triggered controversy and were deleted within hours.
General Kainerugaba later said the information he relied on was incorrect and confirmed that military cooperation with the United States would continue as usual.
Despite the clarification, the episode drew a sharp response in Washington. US Senator Jim Risch, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the Ugandan army chief had crossed a red line and argued that the US administration should reassess its security partnership with Uganda, including the possible imposition of sanctions.
Uganda’s military leadership has firmly rejected the remarks. Defence spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi described the senator’s comments as an outdated colonial tactic aimed at intimidation and interference in Uganda’s internal affairs. He said Kampala would vigorously resist such approaches.
At the same time, Magezi emphasised the depth of cooperation between Uganda and the United States across multiple sectors, stressing that long standing bilateral ties should not be undermined by public exchanges on social media.
So far, US President Donald Trump has not commented publicly on the dispute.
The timing of the standoff comes shortly after Uganda’s general elections, in which President Museveni secured a seventh five year term, extending his four decade rule. His main challenger, Bobi Wine, has rejected the results and alleged irregularities, claims the authorities have denied.