Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued a formal apology to the United States following intense diplomatic pressure and mounting calls for sanctions over alleged human rights abuses during Uganda’s highly contested 2026 general elections.
The apology, delivered on January 30, marked a dramatic reversal after Muhoozi had earlier published inflammatory posts on X (formerly Twitter), accusing U.S. diplomats of subversion and announcing a suspension of military cooperation with the U.S. Embassy. Within hours, the posts were deleted, and the army chief acknowledged that his remarks were based on misinformation.
“I want to apologize to our great friends, the United States, for my earlier tweets that I have now deleted,” Muhoozi said. “I was being fed with wrong information. I have spoken with the U.S. Ambassador to our country, and everything is okay.”
The controversy erupted amid reports of election-related violence, mass arrests, alleged vote rigging, and widespread internet shutdowns during and after the 2026 polls. Human rights groups and international observers accused Ugandan security agencies of cracking down on opposition supporters, with some opposition figures reportedly abducted in unmarked vehicles. Opposition leader Bobi Wine is said to have gone into hiding following claims of a military raid on his residence.
Pressure from Washington escalated when U.S. Senator Jim Risch, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urged President Donald Trump to impose targeted sanctions on General Muhoozi. Senator Risch described Uganda’s 2026 election as a “hollow exercise” and cited credible reports of repression, violence, and impunity.
Behind the scenes, Uganda’s embassy in Washington moved swiftly to contain the fallout. Ambassador Adonia Ayebare confirmed that bilateral relations remain stable, describing ties with the United States as “mutually beneficial and resilient.” He emphasized that critical security cooperation, including joint counterterrorism operations in the region and in Somalia, would continue uninterrupted.
The apology has sparked mixed reactions both locally and internationally. Discussions on online forums and political platforms reflect skepticism about Muhoozi’s sincerity, while others view the move as a strategic effort to avert international isolation and protect Uganda’s military and diplomatic standing. Analysts note that as the son of President Yoweri Museveni, Muhoozi’s political future is closely watched, making the stakes particularly high.
Despite the conciliatory tone, critics insist that words must be followed by concrete accountability measures. The UN Human Rights Chief has previously described Uganda’s election period as one marked by “repression and impunity,” raising doubts about whether the apology alone will satisfy international partners.
For now, the apology appears to have eased immediate tensions, but with allegations of rights abuses unresolved, Uganda-U.S. relations remain fragile and under close scrutiny.
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