Museveni’s Son, Gen Muhoozi, Warns Central Bank Governor Over Sovereignty Bill Remarks
KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s Commander of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued a sharp warning to Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi, telling him to “be careful” about his public statements regarding the controversial Sovereignty Bill.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the president’s son responded directly to a Reuters Africa report on the legislation, saying: “My friend the Governor of the Central Bank should be careful about his statements.”
The warning follows Atingi’s earlier comments that the proposed bill — initially drafted to curb alleged foreign influence — risked causing “economic disaster” for Uganda after it scaled back restrictions on foreign funding.
Bill Aimed at Closing Opposition Funding Gaps
According to sources familiar with the legislation, the bill is widely seen by those in power as a tool to close loopholes that opposition figures — including former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) — have allegedly used to fund efforts aimed at overthrowing the government.
Gen Muhoozi’s intervention signals growing impatience within the highest levels of Uganda’s military and political establishment with the central bank governor’s public dissent.
Public Support for General’s Position
On social media, the General’s warning drew swift backing from government-leaning commentators.
SS Sebunya wrote: “I agree with you. He shouldn’t be throwing around statements like that. The president already provided clarifications about the bill in his post last week.”
Another user, MR. JORDAN, went further, saying the governor should “apologize to the millions of Ugandans who support the Sovereignty Bill” — arguing the legislation is needed to counter money laundering and foreign influence, noting that Uganda had previously been blacklisted by international financial bodies.
Tough Decisions Ahead
CHIEF. Otta.opira summed up the growing tension with a brief post: “Tough decisions ahead.”
Gen Muhoozi, who also serves as a senior presidential advisor on special operations, has a history of making blunt public statements on political and economic matters. His latest comments will likely heighten pressure on Governor Atingi, who has not yet responded publicly to the warning.
The Sovereignty Bill remains under parliamentary consideration, with observers closely watching whether the central bank’s economic concerns will be overruled by nationalist and security arguments.
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