Uganda’s military commander, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, sparked condemnation on Sunday after saying he wanted to behead prominent opposition leader Bobi Wine.
In a post on X, Kainerugaba referred to his father, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, by the honorific “Mzee” and claimed Museveni was the only person stopping him from acting against Wine. “If Mzee was not there, I would cut off his head today,” Kainerugaba wrote.
Wine, whose legal name is Robert Kyagulanyi, finished second to Museveni in the 2021 presidential election. Responding to the post, Wine stated he did not take the threat lightly, citing past attempts on his life.
Kainerugaba fired back, writing, “Finally! I woke you up? Before I behead you, repay us the money we loaned you,” implying that the government had financially co-opted Wine in the past.
Government and military spokespeople were unavailable for comment, and the armed forces declined to address the remarks. However, the government has previously dismissed Kainerugaba’s provocative social media posts as “casual” and not indicative of official policy.
This is not the first time Kainerugaba has drawn international attention for his inflammatory rhetoric. In 2022, he threatened to invade neighboring Kenya, a remark he later apologized for, claiming some of his statements are meant ironically.
Wine, a musician-turned-politician, has emerged as Museveni’s most formidable challenger, leveraging his popularity to mobilize Uganda’s youth. He rejected the results of the 2021 election, alleging widespread fraud and intimidation, claims backed by rights groups accusing Museveni’s government of arbitrary detention and torture.
The Ugandan government has consistently denied allegations of election fraud and human rights abuses.
Observers warn that Kainerugaba’s latest comments could inflame tensions in a country already grappling with political unrest and concerns about a dynastic succession.