Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee has refused to review the Ministry of Defence’s budget proposals for the 2025/26 financial year, demanding the presence of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Lawmakers criticized Muhoozi for his controversial tweets, which have earned him the nickname “Tweeting General,” and demanded he personally address the Committee.
Led by Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East), MPs highlighted recent tweets in which Muhoozi allegedly threatened to hang opposition leaders Robert Kyagulanyi and Dr. Kizza Besigye. Nyeko accused Muhoozi of undermining Uganda’s diplomacy and exacerbating tensions with inflammatory statements.
“We see tweets threatening our neighbors, demanding apologies from UPDF ambassadors, and threatening to behead the NUP President. Just yesterday, there was a tweet suggesting Besigye would be hanged on Heroes’ Day,” Nyeko said.
Godfrey Wakooli (Butilu County) rebuked Muhoozi for treating Parliament with disregard. He rejected the Ministry’s explanation that the CDF was unaware of the meeting, pointing out that the Deputy CDF was informed.
“We sacrifice our time for these sessions, but the CDF acts as though he’s doing us a favor by appearing,” Wakooli said. “Let the entire team return with the CDF.”
Defence Minister Markson Oboth attempted to calm tensions, stating that the Ministry does not manage Muhoozi’s social media and that his tweets do not reflect official policy.
“I commit to relay your concerns to the CDF and arrange for his appearance to address these issues directly,” Oboth said. He also clarified that Muhoozi’s absence was due to prior engagements in Djibouti.
Deputy CDF Sam Okiding confirmed Muhoozi was informed about the meeting but refused to address the tweets, stating, “That issue is beyond my purview.”
Committee Chairperson Wilson Kajwengye tried to defer the matter until the presentation of the UPDF Amendment Bill next week, but his suggestion was rejected. MPs, including Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga County), argued that Muhoozi’s conduct signaled a breakdown of military discipline and called for immediate accountability.
“What we’re witnessing is the institutional breakdown of the UPDF. Parliament represents 46 million Ugandans, and the head of the entity we supervise is absent without justification,” Ssekikubo said.
Under mounting pressure, Kajwengye postponed the meeting, calling for Muhoozi’s attendance along with the full Ministry leadership to address questions about his tweets and broader military accountability.
