Ugandan Minister and Army Chief Clash Publicly on Social Media Over Arrest Threats
Exchange of insults and warnings highlights internal tensions and the military’s role in politics.
A remarkable public feud erupted on social media platform X on Wednesday between Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the Minister of Information, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, drawing attention to internal government divisions.
The clash, witnessed by bemused followers, saw the two senior figures trade insults, threats of arrest, and dismissals.
The conflict stems from recent comments by Dr Baryomunsi regarding Gen Muhoozi’s threats to arrest National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. The opposition figure is currently in hiding after a raid on his home on January 23, an operation led by Gen Muhoozi.
Dr Baryomunsi had publicly dismissed the arrest threats, stating the government had no interest in detaining Kyagulanyi. He sought to distance the state from the army chief’s social media activity, noting that “the CDF is not a government spokesperson.”
This prompted a fiery response from Gen Muhoozi on Wednesday morning. In a series of posts, he labelled Baryomunsi a “traitor,” declared the minister would “never be a Minister again,” and warned he would arrest him “on the spot” if his name was mentioned again.
In a defiant response, Dr Baryomunsi hit back, stating he rose to his position through his own abilities. In a pointed retort that appeared to reference Gen Muhoozi’s reputation, he wrote, “My father restrained me from taking alcohol. I am sober 24/7… I don’t suffer from Peter Pan Syndrome. Those attacking me… don’t know the material we the original Bakiga are made of.”
Gen Muhoozi doubled down, reiterating his dismissal threat and ominously suggesting Baryomunsi should be “more worried about jail.”
The extraordinary public exchange has ignited intense discussion about internal power struggles, the boundaries between the military and civilian government, and the use of social media by Uganda’s leadership for political combat.
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