Akena’s Muhoozi Criticism Sparks Bitter Online Backlash: ‘Your Family Is Reject in Lango’
KAMPALA, UGANDA — UPC president Jimmy Akena has come under blistering attack on social media after criticizing Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s online conduct — with one prominent ruling party supporter accusing him of being paid by the very government he opposes.
Akena told reporters this week that Gen Muhoozi, who is also son of President Museveni, had made “inappropriate” statements unbecoming of his high office, urging greater restraint.
“As CDF and son of the President, Gen Muhoozi bears a greater responsibility to exercise restraint in both his words and actions,” Akena said.
But within hours, pro-government commentator Daudi Kabanda launched a fierce counterattack, posting: “Akena should shut up and go pay for all the skeletons of his father’s victims in Luweero.”
Kabanda, whose remarks were widely shared including by Gen Muhoozi himself, further alleged that the UPC leader is sustained financially by the President.
“We all know the President pays you billions every year to keep pretending that UPC exists,” Kabanda wrote. “You think by jumping on abusing Gen. @mkainerugaba, you will resurrect politically? Your Family is a reject in Lango. Please shut up.”
The attack references UPC founder Milton Obote, Akena’s father, whose legacy remains deeply divisive — particularly in Luweero, site of brutal counter-insurgency operations during the Bush War that brought the NRM to power.
Akena has not yet responded to the personal attacks. Political analysts note the exchange reflects growing tensions between the weakened official opposition and a ruling establishment increasingly willing to deploy both state power and online influence to discredit critics.
Gen Muhoozi, known for his prolific and often controversial X (formerly Twitter) presence, has not commented on either Akena’s remarks or Kabanda’s defence.
NRM supporters have in recent years repeatedly alleged that opposition figures receive clandestine state funding — a claim the government denies.
UPC, once Uganda’s ruling party, now holds a handful of parliamentary seats and has at times cooperated with the NRM, fueling accusations of co-option from within Akena’s own ranks.
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