U.S. Warns Uganda Over Security Partnership After Muhoozi Controversy

The United States has warned that it could reconsider its long-standing security partnership with Uganda following controversial remarks made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni.

U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch said Washington was deeply concerned after Muhoozi accused the U.S. Embassy in Kampala of supporting opposition leader Bobi Wine during a recent security operation.

In a statement shared on social media, Risch said the Ugandan army chief had crossed a “red line,” adding that the United States might be forced to review its military cooperation and security agreements with Uganda.

He dismissed Muhoozi’s later apology as inadequate, saying it did not address the seriousness of the accusations. Muhoozi had deleted his earlier posts and claimed he had been misled by incorrect information.

According to Risch, simply deleting social media posts and issuing apologies was not enough, especially given the potential risks to U.S. personnel, interests, and regional stability.

Earlier, Muhoozi had accused U.S. diplomats of working with Bobi Wine during or after a raid on the opposition leader’s home on January 16. The U.S. Embassy has not publicly confirmed these claims.

The army chief also announced that cooperation between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the U.S. mission would be suspended, including joint military operations. However, he later reversed his position, saying he had spoken with the U.S. Ambassador and that cooperation would continue as usual.

Muhoozi described his change of stance as an attempt to maintain friendly relations between Uganda and the United States.

Meanwhile, Risch’s comments highlight growing concerns in Washington about Uganda’s political environment. His remarks come amid criticism from U.S. lawmakers over the credibility of Uganda’s recent presidential election, which President Museveni won by a wide margin.

Critics, including some American officials, have questioned the legitimacy of the election, citing allegations of violence, intimidation, and harassment of opposition supporters, particularly those linked to Bobi Wine and the National Unity Platform.

As tensions continue to rise, the future of U.S.–Uganda security cooperation remains uncertain.