Ugandan Social Media Erupts Over Allegations of Political Blackmail and Intimidation
A social media post by PLU General secretary Daudi Kabanda has sparked controversy online, levelling serious accusations against a Ugandan government minister and highlighting internal tensions within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
In a post directed at Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for Information, Communications Technology and National Guidance, Kabanda launched a scathing attack, calling the minister a “known opportunist” who “came to government for political survival.”
The post makes several explosive allegations, including that Baryomunsi was involved in the abduction of a priest in Kanungu during elections to suppress opposition, and that he celebrated the death of a political rival, Mr. Garuga, to secure his parliamentary seat.
Kabanda further alleges that Baryomunsi belongs to an NRM “clique” that “survives on political blackmail” and is currently attempting to blackmail President Yoweri Museveni by threatening to run for Speaker of Parliament to be “bought off” with a cabinet position.
The central thrust of the criticism, however, focuses on the alleged animosity of “Baryomunsi and his likes” towards General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations and son of the President. Kabanda claims this stems from a belief that, unlike President Museveni who “tolerates their blackmail,” Gen. Kainerugaba “can’t and will never tolerate them.”
The post concludes with a prediction: “Rewarding blackmail and mediocrity will come to an end!”
Government Distances Itself from General’s Social Media
The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of existing official concern regarding social media use by senior military figures. In a related context, a government statement has previously clarified that tweets from the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) “do not speak for government.”
An official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated, “His tweets often short and sometimes deleted are not official positions but casual comments. I’ve raised this with the appointing authority, including the President. They do make my work harder.”
This official distancing highlights the ongoing challenge for the Ugandan government in managing the intersection of personal social media activity and official state positions among its high-profile figures.
As of the time of reporting, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has not publicly responded to the specific allegations made in the social media post. The accusations, which remain unverified, point to the intense and often personal nature of political rivalries playing out in Uganda’s public sphere.
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