My name is not ‘Commander’, and you will never make us slaves – Muhoozi sharply responds to U.S. Senator’s calls for reassessment of Uganda-U.S. ties
The incident has sparked debate over Uganda's internal political dynamics, regional stability, and the future of U.S.-Uganda relations amid rising tensions.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), has issued a forceful response to recent calls by U.S. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, urging a reevaluation of the United States’ security partnership and military cooperation with Uganda.
In a tweet on Tuesday afternoon, Gen. Muhoozi rejected the senator’s criticisms and defended his stance, asserting his dignity and sovereignty. “My name is not ‘Commander @mkainerugaba’. My name is General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. What ‘Red line’ have I crossed according to you? You can re-evaluate whatever you want as far as our co-operation is concerned but you will never DEMEAN and DEGRADE us. You will never make us your slaves,” he tweeted.
The confrontation follows a tweet by Sen. Jim Risch on January 31, 2026, expressing concern over alleged threats by Gen. Muhoozi to sever ties with the United States. Risch’s remarks came after Muhoozi purportedly threatened to cut off relations with the U.S., accusing Washington of aiding opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, in escaping from the country.
Muhoozi later deleted these tweets and issued an apology, claiming he had been misled by incorrect information.
However, the U.S. senator emphasized that Muhoozi’s actions had crossed a “red line,” prompting a call for the U.S. to reassess its security cooperation with Uganda, including sanctions and military engagement.
“Commander @mkainerugaba has crossed a red line, and now the U.S. must reevaluate its security partnership, which includes sanctions, and military cooperation with Uganda,” Risch stated.
“The president’s son, and likely successor, cannot just delete tweets and issue hollow apologies. The U.S. will not tolerate this level of instability and recklessness when American personnel, U.S. interests, and innocent lives in the region are at stake.”
The Ugandan military and government have yet to issue official statements regarding the matter. The incident has sparked debate over Uganda’s internal political dynamics, regional stability, and the future of U.S.-Uganda relations amid rising tensions.
