Gen Muhoozi Apologizes to U.S. After Embassy Remarks, Reaffirms Military Cooperation

Kampala, January 30, 2026 - Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued an apology to the United States following remarks he made targeting the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, which he later said were based on false information. Gen Muhoozi, who is also the son of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, had earlier posted on social media accusing the U.S. Embassy of helping opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, to flee the country. He also announced a suspension of military cooperation with the United States, including joint operations in Somalia. Bobi Wine was last seen at his home on the night of January 15-16, 2026, shortly after the presidential election, when security forces reportedly attempted to arrest him but he escaped. On January 29, he said publicly that no soldier knew his whereabouts and challenged Gen Muhoozi, saying, “Catch me if you can.” Later the same day, Gen Muhoozi retracted his earlier statements, acknowledging that the claims were incorrect. “I would like to apologize to our great friends, the United States of America, for the earlier message I deleted. I was misinformed. I spoke to the U.S. Ambassador to our country and everything is fine. We will continue our military cooperation as usual,” he said. Gen Muhoozi further explained that Uganda’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Adonia Ayebare, played a key role in resolving the misunderstanding and praised him for his swift diplomatic intervention, suggesting he be appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs.