Uganda’s Military Chief Pledges Support for Israel Amid Iran War: ‘We Will Enter the War on the Side of Israel’
Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has declared his country’s unwavering support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, stating that any attempt to destroy or defeat the Jewish state would draw Uganda into the war.
In a series of posts on X/Twitter on Thursday, Kainerugaba — who is also the son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni — made clear his country’s position as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.
“We want the war in the Middle East to end now. The world is tired of it,” Kainerugaba wrote. “But any talk of destroying or defeating Israel will bring us into the war. On the side of Israel!”
The military chief further emphasized that “Israel has a right to exist and attacks against her must stop,” according to a report by The Jerusalem Post.
Religious Motivation
In a separate post, Kainerugaba explained the religious foundation for Uganda’s stance, stating: “We stand with Israel because we are Christians. Saved by the Holy Son of God…Jesus Christ the only One who can forgive sins.”
He cited Deuteronomy 33:29 in his post: “Blessed are you Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword.”
The post garnered significant engagement, with over 27,000 views and hundreds of likes and reposts within hours.
Deleted Post and Military Claims
In another post that was later deleted, Kainerugaba claimed that the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) would begin participating in the war “on the side of Israel” if the conflict does not end soon.
He also asserted that he had offered the help of Ugandan defense forces to both the United States and Israel, making a bold claim: “We could have captured Tehran in 72 hours without any bombing, but of course they never listen to a black man. Why bomb people who support you?”
A Historic Bond
The strong declaration comes amid warming ties between Uganda and Israel, rooted in a historic connection dating back to 1976. Last month, Kainerugaba announced that Uganda would build a statue honoring Lt.-Col. Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu — the late brother of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — at Entebbe International Airport.
The statue is planned for the exact location where the younger Netanyahu was killed during Operation Entebbe, the legendary rescue mission in which Israeli commandos freed over 100 hostages held by terrorists after the hijacking of an Air France flight.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended a memorial ceremony at Entebbe Airport in 2016 to mark the 40th anniversary of the operation, which was named in his brother’s honor.
International Response
Kainerugaba’s statements were met with support from prominent figures. Evangelical Israeli author Joel C. Rosenberg, living in Jerusalem, responded: “Thank you, Uganda — I am an Evangelical Israeli living in Jerusalem and I am deeply grateful for your moral clarity, true courage, solidarity!”
The BRICS News outlet also reported on the development, highlighting Kainerugaba’s warning: “If Tehran dares hit us with missiles. We shall retaliate with our own missiles.”
As the war between Israel and Iran continues, Uganda’s pledge of military support represents a significant diplomatic development, adding an unexpected African ally to Israel’s coalition amid the growing regional conflict.
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