Uganda is on edge after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s explosive remarks about the opposition reignited fears of political violence days after disputed election results.
Political tension is rapidly escalating in Uganda following controversial statements by President Yoweri Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, which many critics say appeared to endorse force against opposition figures.
The remarks, shared publicly on X (formerly Twitter), came shortly after the electoral commission declared Museveni the winner of the January elections. Since then, opposition leader Bobi Wine born Robert Kyagulanyi has not been seen in public, raising growing concern over his safety.
Sources within the National Unity Platform (NUP) claim Bobi Wine has been forced into hiding amid what they describe as a sweeping security crackdown. Reports point to raids on party offices, arrests of supporters, and heavy military deployment across Kampala and other major towns.
The situation worsened after Muhoozi, who also serves as Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, posted messages that were widely interpreted as threatening toward Bobi Wine and NUP supporters.
One post suggested opposition figures should be “dealt with,” language that immediately triggered outrage from civil society groups, lawyers, and political analysts.
Human rights organisations have raised alarm, warning that such rhetoric from senior military leadership risks undermining constitutional order.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both cautioned that Uganda may be sliding deeper into repression, citing reports of enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions following the vote.
International pressure is also mounting. The United States and several European diplomatic missions have issued statements urging restraint, protection of opposition leaders, and respect for human rights.
Locally, religious leaders and civil society organisations have called on President Museveni to publicly rein in his son and de-escalate the situation.
Meanwhile, Bobi Wine’s continued absence has fueled anxiety nationwide. Many Ugandans say the unfolding events confirm long-standing fears about shrinking democratic space and the increasing influence of the military in civilian politics.
As the country waits for clarity on Bobi Wine’s whereabouts and next steps, the political temperature remains dangerously high, with observers warning that Uganda is approaching a critical moment that could define its democratic future.
