Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and the country’s Chief of Defence Forces, has triggered outrage after publicly claiming that 22 members of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) were killed during Uganda’s recent general elections.
The remarks were made on social media, where Muhoozi suggested that opposition leader Bobi Wine was the intended next target.
WHAT WAS SAID
Posting on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Muhoozi Kainerugaba wrote that 22 opposition members had already been killed and referred to Bobi Wine as the “twenty-third.”
The statement amounts to a rare and direct public acknowledgement by a top military official of lethal actions against opposition supporters, further deepening concerns over political repression in the country.
ELECTION CONTEXT
The comments come amid heavy controversy surrounding the re-election of President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who was declared the winner of the polls and secured a seventh term in office.
The elections were widely disputed by opposition figures and observers, with allegations of:
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Voter intimidation
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Security force interference
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Suppression of opposition activities
BOBI WINE’S CLAIMS
Earlier, Bobi Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform, said he narrowly escaped a coordinated military and police raid on his residence in Magere.
In a statement released last Saturday, he described the incident as chaotic:
“Last night was very difficult at our home in Magere. The military and police raided us. They switched off the power and cut off some of our CCTV cameras. Helicopters were hovering over.”
Wine said the operation took place late at night and intensified fears for his personal safety.
WHO IS MUHOOZI KAINERUGABA?
Muhoozi Kainerugaba is widely viewed as a powerful figure in Uganda’s political and military landscape:
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The eldest son of President Museveni
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Appointed Chief of Defence Forces
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Frequently posts controversial political and military statements online
His remarks have previously sparked diplomatic tensions and domestic criticism, but this latest claim has drawn renewed international attention.
WHY THIS MATTERS
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Raises serious concerns about human rights and political violence
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Suggests military involvement in electoral repression
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Deepens fears over the safety of opposition leaders
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Adds pressure for international scrutiny of Uganda’s elections
