Muhoozi Rejects Parliament Summons, Vows to Arrest MPs Instead

In the past, senior army officers such as Generals David Sejusa and Henry Tumukunde, both heroes of the bush war that brought Muhoozi's father President Museveni to power in 1986, have been court martialled for their utterances in the media or "using the wrong fora".
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has rejected summons to appear before a parliamentary committee and instead vowed to arrest the legislators, whom he referred to in derogatory terms.
"I will never appear before parliamentary clowns," the 'Tweeting General' fired back on X. " Instead, I will arrest them all."
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He said his first action after arresting all the "fools in Parliament" will be to invite them for a discussion.
"If anyone even coughs in a wrong way I will arrest him or her on the spot," he said. "Number 2, I need another Shs1 trillion for UPDF immediately! And everybody in Parliament will support me in getting that money."
Muhoozi, who is also the First Son, used all-caps for emphasis on words never appear, clowns and arrest.
The Defence Committee and Internal Affairs had sought to question the CDF regarding a series of controversial social media posts that have drawn widespread criticism both within Uganda and abroad.
This defiant response comes amid increasing concerns over his inflammatory posts on X, which have included threats against opposition figures, such as “beheading” Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), a leading opposition figure, and calling for the execution of former presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye, accusing him of being a “traitor” and a “clown.”
In the past, senior army officers such as Generals David Sejusa and Henry Tumukunde, both heroes of the bush war that brought Muhoozi's father President Museveni to power in 1986, have been court martialled for their utterances in the media or "using the wrong fora".
The committee had issued the summons, hoping to question Gen Muhoozi about his behaviour social media, which they believe undermines the integrity of the defense forces.
Shadow Cabinet Minister Derrick Nyeko expressed concern about the damage these actions have caused to Uganda’s image, highlighting that the general’s rhetoric of violence further inflames an already tense political atmosphere.
“How can we allow such reckless statements from a man who holds the highest military office in Uganda?” Nyeko questioned during a heated debate in the committee.
Lawmakers have raised concerns that Gen. Muhoozi’s rhetoric could endanger the country’s stability and compromise the neutrality of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). According to the UPDF Act, the army is mandated to remain non-partisan, professional, and subordinated to civilian authority.
The controversy led to a temporary suspension of the committee’s session as members debated how Gen Muhoozi’s online behaviour fits with the image of the UPDF as a disciplined and professional military force.
His refusal to respond to the summons has sparked further debate about the role of the military in Ugandan politics and the balance of power between the armed forces and the government.
This latest incident follows a series of inflammatory posts by Gen Muhoozi, in which he has expressed support for harsh measures against political opponents.
His online activity has raised concerns about his growing influence in Ugandan politics, particularly given his position as the son of President Yoweri Museveni.
As tensions escalate between the military and parliament, it remains unclear how the government will address Gen Muhoozi’s defiance.
Critics argue that the military’s political engagement undermines Uganda’s democratic institutions, while supporters believe the general’s actions are aimed at preserving national security.
This ongoing standoff has drawn attention to the role of the UPDF, which, as outlined in the Constitution, is expected to serve as a nonpartisan, professional, and disciplined force that is subordinate to civilian authority.
The UPDF’s stated mission is to protect Uganda and the larger African continent, providing a safe and secure environment for the prosperity of all Ugandan citizens.