Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly retracted a series of controversial tweets in which he announced the suspension of military cooperation with the United States. The tweets, which raised concerns within diplomatic circles, were withdrawn after Kainerugaba issued a formal apology and clarified that Uganda’s strong relationship with the U.S. remains intact. This retraction comes after heightened political tensions following Uganda’s disputed January 15 presidential election, which extended President Yoweri Museveni’s 40-year rule.
In his statement, Muhoozi explained that he had been misinformed when he accused the U.S. of supporting opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who has been in hiding since the election. Muhoozi’s apology and the subsequent clarification by Uganda’s Ambassador to the U.S. helped to diffuse the situation, reinforcing the importance of continued military and diplomatic ties between Uganda and the U.S.
The Controversial Tweets and Immediate Fallout
On Friday, February 1, 2026, Muhoozi took to social media to retract a series of tweets that caused a stir within Uganda and internationally. In his original posts, Muhoozi claimed that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) would halt all cooperation with the U.S., including joint efforts in Somalia. The military leader accused the U.S. Embassy of allegedly coordinating the disappearance of Bobi Wine, calling it an instance of political meddling.
Muhoozi also alleged that Bobi Wine had “kidnapped himself” with the help of the U.S. Embassy, a claim that quickly gained attention. These remarks were widely condemned by diplomats, human rights advocates, and political observers, who were concerned about the implications of his words on Uganda’s diplomatic relationship with one of its key international partners.
Muhoozi’s statements drew swift responses from both Uganda and the U.S. diplomatic circles, with many questioning whether such public remarks would compromise the longstanding cooperation between the two nations. His comments were especially concerning as they came at a time of escalating political unrest following Uganda’s controversial presidential election.
Muhoozi’s Apology and Reaffirmation of Ties with the U.S.
In his apology, Muhoozi acknowledged that he had been misinformed and clarified that the U.S.-Uganda military cooperation remains unaffected. “I want to apologise to our great friends, the United States, for my earlier tweets that I have now deleted. I was being fed with wrong information,” he stated.
He further confirmed that he had spoken with the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, and the situation had been resolved amicably. Muhoozi expressed confidence in the continuing partnership between the two countries. “We are going to continue our military cooperation as usual,” he assured.
This apology was critical in diffusing any potential diplomatic fallout. It also allowed Muhoozi to address the growing concerns regarding Uganda’s international standing, particularly after the earlier post that had raised alarm about the future of military collaborations, especially with the U.S.
Role of Ambassador Adonia Ayebare in Defusing the Situation
Muhoozi also credited Uganda’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Adonia Ayebare, for his role in swiftly intervening and resolving any tensions with the U.S. Embassy. Ayebare’s diplomatic efforts were key in quelling the situation, helping to maintain the integrity of Uganda’s relationship with the U.S. at a crucial time.
“I must thank our super diplomat, H.E. Adonia Ayebare, for quickly resolving any issues we might have had with our good friends the United States of America,” Muhoozi said in his statement. He also suggested that President Museveni should consider appointing Ayebare as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, a move he believes would further strengthen Uganda’s international diplomacy.
Ambassador Ayebare welcomed the clarification and reassured both Ugandans and international observers of the stability of Uganda’s diplomatic relations. “Thank you General for this clarification. Our relationship with the United States of America is mutually beneficial and resilient,” Ayebare stated.
Political Tensions Following the January 15 Election
The apology and retraction come amid ongoing political tensions following Uganda’s January 15 presidential election. President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for over four decades, was declared the winner with 71.65% of the vote. However, opposition leader Bobi Wine, who secured 24.72%, rejected the results, calling the election fraudulent and claiming it was marred by widespread irregularities, including voter suppression, violence, and a nationwide internet shutdown.
Bobi Wine, who has been in hiding since the election, has faced mounting pressure from security forces. On January 20, 2026, Muhoozi stirred outrage with his social media posts, threatening Bobi Wine and alleging that security forces had killed 22 opposition “terrorists.” He also stated that Bobi Wine should be next, fueling fears of a violent crackdown on opposition leaders.
Muhoozi’s Threats and Bobi Wine’s Defiant Response
In a series of now-deleted posts, Muhoozi threatened Bobi Wine with death, claiming, “We have killed 22 NUP terrorists since last week. I’m praying the 23rd is Kabobi,” using a derogatory term for the opposition leader. In another post, Muhoozi gave Bobi Wine a 48-hour ultimatum to surrender to police, warning that failure to do so would see him treated as an “outlaw” or “rebel.”
These inflammatory comments further escalated tensions between the government and opposition supporters, who feared the potential for a violent crackdown. Bobi Wine, who had been a prominent figure in Uganda’s recent political uprisings, rejected the election results and accused Museveni of using state power to maintain his hold on office.
In response, Bobi Wine issued a bold and defiant message directed at Muhoozi, saying, “A rebel without a gun, hiding in plain sight, and yet you can’t find me because I’m concealed by the people. Catch me if you can!” His message signaled his determination to continue resisting the regime’s efforts to silence him.
A Shift in Ugandan Politics and International Relations
The retraction of Muhoozi’s earlier statements marks a critical moment in Uganda’s political landscape, reflecting the volatile nature of the current political climate. While Muhoozi’s apology has helped calm some of the diplomatic tensions, the aftermath of the January 15 election remains a deeply divisive issue in Uganda, with ongoing concerns about security, human rights, and political repression.
Muhoozi’s public apology and clarification regarding Uganda’s relationship with the United States represent a necessary step in repairing ties with a key international partner. However, the political atmosphere in Uganda remains tense, with opposition leaders like Bobi Wine continuing to challenge the legitimacy of the election results and the actions of the ruling government.
As the political situation unfolds, both domestic and international observers will be watching closely to see how the Ugandan government navigates these challenges and whether the promises of reform and reconciliation can be realized. The role of key figures like Muhoozi and Ayebare will continue to shape Uganda’s political and diplomatic future, as the country faces a pivotal moment in its history.
