Ugandan Officials Escalate Public Feud on Social Media Over Ministerial Appointment
CDF Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Minister Chris Baryomunsi exchange sharp accusations on X, revealing deep political rift.
A public and bitter dispute between Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has intensified on the social media platform X, drawing significant public attention.
The conflict erupted openly when Gen. Kainerugaba, also a senior presidential advisor, posted a direct message on February 3, 2026, stating: “Baryomunsi, the traitor, will never be a Minister again.” The post, viewed over 107,000 times, was widely interpreted as a threat to exclude Baryomunsi from future cabinet positions.
Minister Baryomunsi responded defiantly, emphasizing his self-made career. “I rose from obscurity to where I am because of my abilities not favours from anybody… Being a Minister is not necessarily the best thing in life. My horizon is far beyond that. Let’s serve Uganda,” he wrote.
The public spat appears rooted in recent comments by Baryomunsi, who in a media appearance clarified that the CDF does not speak on behalf of the Ugandan government, describing Gen. Kainerugaba’s social media posts as “casual comments” that complicate his official work.
The exchange quickly drew in other political figures. Daudi Kabanda, Secretary General of the Patriotic League of Uganda—a group led by Gen. Kainerugaba—launched a lengthy criticism against Baryomunsi, accusing him of political opportunism, blackmail, and moral bankruptcy.
Baryomunsi dismissed Kabanda’s attack, refusing to “dignify… forest of empty talk with a response” and suggesting his critic needed to “upgrade your education.”
In a follow-up, Gen. Kainerugaba reiterated his stance, replying to Baryomunsi: “It doesn’t matter. You will not be Minister this time. First come and make peace with me.”
This open confrontation highlights growing tensions within Uganda’s political establishment. Analysts note that Gen. Kainerugaba is perceived by many insiders to wield significant influence over cabinet appointments, making his public dismissal of a sitting minister particularly noteworthy.
As of now, there is no indication of reconciliation between the two high-profile leaders. The fallout continues to unfold publicly, raising questions about internal cohesion within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government and the evolving dynamics of power ahead of future political appointments.
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