In a developing diplomatic spat, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda, has issued a bold ultimatum to the current US Ambassador, William Popp, demanding a personal apology to President Yoweri Museveni.
In a public statement, General Muhoozi warned that if the apology is not tendered by Monday morning at 9:00 am, the Ugandan government will call for Ambassador Popp’s removal from the country.
General Muhoozi, a key figure in Ugandan politics and the son of President Museveni, has consistently expressed his admiration for the United States. However, he pointed out that recent actions by the US ambassador appear to undermine Uganda’s government and constitution.
“We have no problem with the USA, as I have said many times it is a country we love and admire,” Muhoozi stated. “But lately, we have a lot of evidence that they have been working against the NRM government.”
The general emphasized that the confrontation is not merely a personal matter between him and Ambassador Popp, but rather a national issue that involves the Ugandan government and its people.
Muhoozi’s statement underscores growing concerns that foreign influence, particularly from the U.S, may be attempting to interfere with Uganda’s internal affairs.
“It is not only General MK. It is President Museveni, the government, and the people of Uganda too. 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!”
Muhoozi declared, expressing his commitment to safeguarding Uganda’s sovereignty.
The strong language in General Muhoozi’s statement reflects growing frustrations within the Ugandan leadership regarding perceived interference from foreign powers. Muhoozi warned fellow Ugandans of an impending “serious confrontation” with the US ambassador for what he termed the ambassador’s disrespect towards Uganda’s “beloved and celebrated President” and for undermining the constitution.
Muhoozi’s statements come at a time when diplomatic relations between Uganda and the US have seen turbulence, with the US government reportedly critical of certain policies under President Museveni’s administration, especially in the areas of governance, human rights, and democracy.
On Wednesday the U.S government sanctioned four police officers and their immediate family members over accusations of gross human rights violation.
Should Ambassador Popp fail to issue the demanded apology, the situation could escalate into a significant diplomatic standoff.
Muhoozi’s ultimatum sends a clear message that Uganda’s government, led by the National Resistance Movement (NRM), will not tolerate what it perceives as foreign interference or disrespect towards its leadership.
The general’s public warning hints at deeper tensions beneath the surface of Uganda-US relations. With General Muhoozi’s growing influence in both military and political arenas, his stance signals a possible shift in Uganda’s diplomatic posture towards foreign powers, particularly those that may question the NRM’s governance.