The head of Uganda’s military, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the son of longtime President Yoweri Museveni, has sparked outrage by threatening to behead the country’s leading opposition figure, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
Kainerugaba, widely regarded as his father’s heir apparent, is known for his provocative social media posts. In 2022, he faced backlash for threatening to invade Kenya, a statement he later apologized for, claiming some remarks were intended ironically.
On Sunday evening, Kainerugaba took to X (formerly Twitter) to warn that his father, whom he referred to as “Mzee,” was the only person preventing him from acting against Wine.
“Kabobi knows the only person protecting him from me is my father. If Mzee was not there, I would cut off his head today!” he wrote.
Reacting to the threat, Wine stated: “The threat by Museveni’s son (who also heads Uganda’s military) to behead me is not something I take lightly, given that many have been killed by him and his father, and considering their several attempts at my life. I refuse to be intimidated by the cowardly regime. The world is watching.”
Kainerugaba replied: “Finally! I woke you up? Before I behead you, repay us the money we loaned you,” hinting that the government had allegedly paid Wine to weaken the opposition.
Wine, a musician-turned-politician and Museveni’s strongest opponent, has long accused the regime of corruption and oppression. He rejected the results of the 2021 election, alleging voter fraud and intimidation.
Human rights groups have also accused Museveni’s government of abuses, including torture and arbitrary arrests. However, the Ugandan government has consistently denied these allegations, insisting elections were free and fair.
The threat highlights the tense political climate in Uganda, with growing concerns over the use of intimidation against opposition figures.
