Gen Muhoozi’s recklessness likely to lead Uganda into crisis

BY RICHARD KIZZA LUGOBWA
LONDON. The Uganda’s army chief who also is the president’s son has for a long time been an X  mania continuously making controversial posts and commentary increasing tension among citizens.

Then unapologetic General (nicknamed the tweeting General) uses sarcasm and seemingly lighthearted statements to communicate to the public his support to the current regime and readiness to “crush” opposition.

General Muhoozi speaks with great authority which has raised questions as to whether his father, General Museveni is still in charge of the country’s security.

Notable among Gen Muhoozi’s posts was a response to the parliamentary committee which summoned him with regard to his behavior on social media, early this year.

The Defense and Internal Affairs committee wanted Muhoozi to explain his involvement in partisan politics following a series of social media posts which the constitution forbids for serving military officers.

Muhoozi rejected the summons and in his unrepentant response, he described legislators as fools and clowns who have no authority to summon him. He said, “I will never appear to the parliamentary clowns. Instead, I will arrest them all”.

Muhoozi’s insults to legislators ignited a discussion regarding the doctrine of separation of power which is a pillar of democracy and rule of law.

It also rubber-stamped allegations that General Museveni and his family have taken over all government entities and lead the country as a family business.

On April 27th this year, Bobi Wine’s bodyguard Edward Sebuufu also known as Eddie Mutwe was abducted by security operatives. Police and the military denied being in possession of him and as tension among NUP, his family and friends escalated,

Muhoozi broke the silencing revealing shocking pictures of a naked and shaven Eddie and confessed that Eddie was in his basement learning Runyankore. Eddie appeared bruised and in great fear which sparked national and international criticism.

The National Unity Platform supporters in Uganda and abroad demanded immediate release of Eddie or be produced to court if he had any case to answer.

Muhoozi unshaken responded by saying he will keep him under torture until his father tells him to release him. He continued posting provocative statements with tribal sentiments.

This was seen by politicians as a deliberate move to incite the public into a tribal warfare which may culminate into a genocide.

In his posts, Muhoozi describes himself as a Munyankore, sometimes a Tutsi, a descendant of the Bachwezi dynasty and explicitly indicates that he comes from a superior tribe which will rule Uganda at the expense of all other tribes.

Eddie was later produced to Masaka court and charged with aggravated robbery alongside three other Bobi Wine bodyguards. In spite of this, the discussion about tribal supremacy, disfranchised and marginalized tribes continues.

The National Unity Platform president Bobi Wine made a formal writing to the Ankole elders and highlighted the likely effects of Muhoozi’s tribal sentiments.

He called upon them to come clean and disassociate themselves with the tweeting General. Although the Ankole elders have not come out as asked, the NUP Ankole supporters have held a demonstration disassociating themselves with Muhoozi’s’ statement and asking him to make a public apology.

The country is waiting for Muhoozi’s next post but fear that his reckless post will one time lead to a major crisis in the country grows day by day.

The writer is an advocate for democracy and justice through the arts and other platforms
Email: richardlk63@gmail.com
Tel: +447551178304