In a move that has rattled diplomatic observers and sparked a social media backlash, Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni, has made a bold show of support for Kenyan President William Ruto, while harshly criticising Kenya’s involvement in Haiti’s security mission.
Taking to his personal X (formerly Twitter) account in the early hours of Wednesday, General Muhoozi declared his unwavering loyalty to Ruto, stating, “The only Kenyan I support at this point is Afande Ruto. If he needs any support from UPDF, we shall provide it!” The message, posted amid Kenya’s intensifying political tensions, has sparked mixed reactions from both sides of the border.
Many Kenyans and Ugandans have condemned Muhoozi’s remarks as reckless and unsolicited, with some suggesting he was either sleep-deprived or simply stirring unnecessary regional tension. Others, however, viewed his comments as a strategic alignment with the embattled Kenyan President, who is currently facing unprecedented public protests and political unrest.
This isn’t the first time Muhoozi has controversially commented on Kenya’s internal affairs. Just days before his pro-Ruto statement, the general had unleashed a volley of criticism against Kenya’s leadership of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti.
In an unprovoked tirade, he accused Kenyan police of “struggling” and boasted that Uganda’s military could succeed where Kenya had faltered. “It would take us one month to capture Port-au-Prince,” he claimed, urging the United Nations to replace Kenya with Uganda in the Caribbean anti-gang operation.
Such inflammatory statements have not only raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles but also reignited concerns over Muhoozi’s growing influence and his often undiplomatic use of social media.
As Kenya continues to navigate internal strife, and Uganda watches from across the border, Muhoozi’s interventions raise questions about the evolving dynamics of East African politics and whether personal loyalties are beginning to overshadow regional protocol.
