Muhoozi Awarded Military Medal as U.S. Threatens to Review Uganda’s Military Ties

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has awarded his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, with a prestigious military medal in recognition of his leadership in regional security operations.

The award was presented on Friday, February 6, during the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations held in Kabale District. The annual event commemorates the launch of the National Resistance Army’s bush war in 1981, which later brought Museveni to power.

According to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the medal was granted to General Muhoozi for his role in counter-terrorism missions and stabilisation efforts across several countries in the region. His leadership in operations against the Al-Shabaab militant group, as well as missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia, was highlighted as a key reason for the honour.

The UPDF stated that Muhoozi demonstrated professionalism and commitment while overseeing complex military operations and strengthening the readiness of Ugandan forces in challenging environments.

The recognition comes at a tense moment in Uganda’s relations with the United States. Recently, disagreements have emerged over Uganda’s elections and funding for Ugandan troops deployed in Somalia.

General Muhoozi has openly warned that Uganda could withdraw its forces from Somalia if the United States fails to address funding concerns. In a statement shared on social media on February 4, he said the mission requires significant financial support, estimating the annual cost at about Ksh129 billion (USD 1 billion). He cautioned that without proper funding, Ugandan troops might leave Somalia before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Jim Risch, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has criticised Uganda’s leadership over the ongoing tensions. He dismissed Muhoozi’s earlier apology to Washington, describing it as inadequate, and called on the U.S. government to reconsider its security cooperation with Uganda.

Risch also urged the United States to evaluate military partnerships with the UPDF and warned that continued instability could prompt punitive measures against Kampala, especially if American interests and civilian lives in the region were threatened.

Earlier, General Muhoozi had apologised to the United States following calls for sanctions over alleged human rights violations linked to Uganda’s disputed elections. He admitted that he had acted on misinformation and acknowledged that his remarks had drawn international criticism.

Despite the growing tension, Muhoozi insisted that diplomatic relations between Uganda and the United States remain stable. He revealed that he had communicated directly with the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda and confirmed that military cooperation between the two countries was still ongoing.