Ugandan general demands apology from U.S. ambassador
The United States ambassador in Kampala, William Popp, is facing a severe challenge. The head of Uganda's army, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, known for his controversial and impulsive statements, has demanded that the diplomat apologize to Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni. If he doesn't, the general has announced that the ambassador must leave the country.
On Friday, General Kainerugaba, who is privately the son of President Museveni, posted a series of messages on X, in which he attacked the U.S. ambassador. “This is not a personal issue between me and the current US Ambassador, this is a national issue and you'll see that NO foreign country will ever dominate Uganda again!” wrote the general.
Kainerugaba, commenting on relations with the U.S., might have been referring to the British colonial rule in Uganda, which lasted from 1894 to 1962.
In another post, he emphasized that although Uganda respects the United States, there is growing suspicion that the Americans are acting against the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), led by President Museveni. The NRM has been in power in Uganda continuously since 1986.
In a subsequent post, the Ugandan general noted that he gives William Popp until Monday to apologize to President Museveni personally. Otherwise, the diplomat must “leave" Kampala.
Controversies surrounding General Kainerugaba
General Kainerugaba is known for his controversial and often impulsive statements on social media. In August, he declared his support for Russia, promising that Uganda would send its troops to defend its sovereignty if "threatened by imperialists.”
In Africa, we only believe in President Putin when it comes to Eastern Europe. The West is wasting its time with its useless pro-Ukraine propaganda. Russia, China, Africa, India, South America shall win in Ukraine. 75% of humanity shall win against 15%, he wrote on social media.
He also previously made threats against neighbouring Kenya, saying his army could take the capital of that country, Nairobi, within two weeks.
U.S. sanctions and tensions in Uganda
The crisis in U.S.-Ugandan relations has escalated in recent days. General Kainerugaba’s attack on the U.S. ambassador came just two days after the U.S. Department of State announced sanctions on four senior Ugandan police officers.
They were accused of human rights violations, including cases of torture of those detained. Observers in Uganda recorded 1,235 cases of torture in 2023.
Since William Popp took on the role of U.S. ambassador in Kampala in September 2023, several Ugandan officials have been subjected to U.S. sanctions. Imposing more restrictions further deepens the tensions between the two countries.
