Uganda’s military chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba deactivated his X account after threatening Vice President Jessica Alupo.
Uganda’s military chief accused Vice President Jessica Alupo of backing former deputy army chief Peter Elwelu and threatened her with dismissal and arrest.
Uganda’s military chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has deactivated his X account following threats against Alupo, the country’s vice president. President Yoweri Museveni’s son had accused Jessica Alupo of supporting alleged attempts to destabilise Uganda.
Muhoozi linked his accusations to former deputy military chief Peter Elwelu, whom authorities arrested in November over alleged destabilisation activities. He threatened to arrest Alupo if she had supported Elwelu.
He also said Alupo would soon lose her government position, claiming strong support in her Teso region. In another post, he said the government would operate on military terms if he became vice president.
Threats against Alupo and political ambitions
To reinforce his warnings, Muhoozi cited previous confrontations with opposition figures, including Kizza Besigye, Bobi Wine and Erias Lukwago. He claimed he had carried out earlier threats and urged readers to take his statements seriously.
Meanwhile, his Patriotic League of Uganda movement continues to mobilise support for a possible presidential bid in 2031. The movement has distributed endorsement books through its nationwide structures to build backing for him.
However, PLU insists it operates within the ruling National Resistance Movement rather than as a separate party. At a recent mobilisation meeting, PLU figure Jimmy Lwanga claimed Museveni endorsed all the movement’s activities. He also warned NRM supporters against obstructing its work or undermining Muhoozi’s ambitions.
Muhoozi would have to leave military service before seeking elective office. His supporters and those backing Museveni have increasingly clashed over Uganda’s political future.
Military role and earlier interventions
Muhoozi took over as Chief of Defence Forces in March 2024. In November, however, he announced plans to leave the post within months and dedicate his life to Christ.
Days before that announcement, he said he had demoted Elwelu from lieutenant general to private. His latest statements follow earlier interventions in both military affairs and civilian government administration.
In September, Muhoozi directed ministers to seek his permission before travelling abroad. He also threatened a fine of 30 million Ugandan shillings for ministers who travelled without his clearance.
That directive followed his questioning of a trip to Türkiye by junior foreign affairs minister Haruna Kasolo. Kasolo subsequently said he would seek Muhoozi’s guidance and authority before future travel.
Muhoozi has previously reversed announcements about leaving the army. In March 2022, he announced retirement after 28 years of service, but later said he would retire eight years later.
