Ugandan general demands apology or expulsion of US ambassador
The United States ambassador in Kampala, William Popp, faced a serious challenge. The head of the Ugandan army, known for his controversial and impulsive statements, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, demanded an apology from the diplomat to Uganda's president, Yoweri Museveni. Otherwise, as the general announced, the ambassador must leave the country.
6:54 AM EDT, October 6, 2024
On Friday, General Kainerugaba, who is privately the son of President Museveni, posted a series of comments on the X platform in which he attacked the US ambassador. "This is not a personal issue between me and the current US Ambassador, this is a national issue and you'll see that NO foreign country will ever dominate Uganda again!" the general wrote.
Kainerugaba, commenting on relations with the USA, might have been referring to the times of British colonial rule in Uganda, which lasted from 1894 to 1962.
In another post, he emphasized that although Uganda respects the United States, there is a growing suspicion that Americans are acting to the detriment of the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), chaired by President Museveni. The NRM has been in power in Uganda continuously since 1986.
In a subsequent entry, the Ugandan general noted that he gives William Popp until Monday to apologize to President Museveni personally. Otherwise, the diplomat is to "leave" Kampala.
Controversies surrounding General Kainerugaba
General Kainerugaba is known for his controversial, often impulsive social media statements. In August, he declared his support for Russia, promising that Uganda would send its troops to defend its sovereignty if it is "threatened by imperialists."
In Africa, we only believe in President Putin when it comes to Eastern Europe. The West is wasting its time with its useless pro-Ukraine propaganda. Russia, China, Africa, India, South America shall win in Ukraine. 75% of humanity shall win against 15%," he wrote on social media.
Earlier, he also made threats against neighboring Kenya, stating that his army could take the capital of that country, Nairobi, within two weeks.
US sanctions and tensions in Uganda
The crisis in US-Ugandan relations has escalated in recent days. The attack by General Kainerugaba on the US ambassador came just two days after the US Department of State announced sanctions against four senior Ugandan police officials.
They were accused of human rights violations, including instances of torture against detainees. Observers in Uganda recorded 1,235 cases of torture in 2023.
Since William Popp assumed his position as the United States Ambassador in Kampala in September 2023, several Ugandan officials have been subjected to American sanctions. The imposition of further restrictions has additionally exacerbated tensions between the two countries.
