NAIROBI, Jan 7 (AGCNewsNet) – Uganda's top military officer, Lieutenant General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has drawn criticism after threatening opposition leader Bobi Wine in a social media post. Kainerugaba, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni and considered his likely successor, posted on X, formerly Twitter, that only his father’s presence prevents him from harming Wine. "If Mzee [a respectful term for Museveni] was not there, I would cut off his head today," Kainerugaba wrote on Sunday evening.

Wine, whose legal name is Robert Kyagulanyi and who finished second in Uganda's 2021 presidential election, rejected the threat. "There have been several attempts on my life. This cannot be taken lightly," he responded on X. Kainerugaba followed up with another post accusing Wine of financial misconduct, saying, "Before I behead you, repay us the money we loaned you," a claim suggesting that the government had previously compromised the opposition leader financially.

Spokespeople for the government and Kainerugaba were not immediately available for comment, and the army spokesperson declined to address the matter. In the past, government representatives have downplayed Kainerugaba’s inflammatory posts, calling them “casual” and not indicative of official policy.

Wine, a former musician turned politician, has accused the government of voter intimidation and fraud during the 2021 elections, which he claims were marred by ballot stuffing. Human rights groups have echoed these allegations, pointing to reports of widespread repression, torture, and arbitrary detentions. The government has consistently denied these claims.

Kainerugaba, known for his provocative online presence, previously caused a diplomatic stir in 2022 with a tweet threatening to invade neighboring Kenya, a statement for which he later apologized. The latest controversy highlights the political tensions in Uganda as the country faces growing domestic and international scrutiny over its shrinking democratic space.

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