Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has responded to accusations of unprofessionalism regarding his active presence on social media. On October 4, he emphasized that his posts are integral to his role as Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations (SPA/SO).
Muhoozi stated that for the first two decades of his military career, he refrained from social media but began using platforms like X (formerly Twitter) about seven years ago. He believes that engaging in social, political, and economic discussions online is part of his official duties. “It is absolutely professional for me to post all the time,” he asserted, adding that he would cease to post if his role were revoked by President Museveni.
Supporters, including State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Balaam Barugahara, defended Muhoozi, arguing that social media is vital for modern leadership. They claim his posts promote transparency and accountability while helping him connect with a broader audience.
The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a group of Muhoozi supporters, also criticized his detractors, asserting that the general’s focus on pan-Africanism and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ideology resonates with Uganda’s youth.
Recently, Muhoozi drew attention for criticizing U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp, accusing him of undermining the Ugandan government and suggesting a confrontation if an apology is not issued. His remarks have generated mixed reactions, particularly from opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), who welcomed recent U.S. sanctions on Ugandan security officials involved in human rights violations. Kyagulanyi viewed the sanctions as a sign that justice will ultimately prevail.
