Ugandan President’s Son Threatens Opposition Leader After Museveni’s Election Win

Political tensions in Uganda have escalated sharply following President Yoweri Museveni’s declared victory in the country’s highly contested presidential election, after his son and army chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, issued violent threats against opposition leader Bobi Wine

Gen. Muhoozi, who serves as the Chief of Defence Forces and is widely seen as a powerful figure within Uganda’s political and military establishment, took to social media to threaten Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. In a series of controversial posts, the general warned that the opposition leader should surrender within a specified period or face severe consequences, remarks that have drawn widespread condemnation from rights groups and political observers The threats came shortly after the electoral commission announced Museveni as the winner of the January election, extending his rule to nearly four decades. The vote was marred by allegations of widespread irregularities, voter intimidation, an internet shutdown, and heavy deployment of security forces. Bobi Wine and his National Unity Platform (NUP) rejected the results, describing the election as fraudulent and unreflective of the will of Ugandans Following the election, Bobi Wine reported increased security presence around his home and said he narrowly escaped what he described as a raid by security operatives. He later stated that some of his family members and supporters were effectively placed under house arrest, while dozens of NUP members were detained or charged across the country Human rights organisations have expressed alarm at Gen. Muhoozi’s remarks, describing them as explicit death threats that further endanger Uganda’s already fragile political environment. Analysts say the public nature of the threats underscores growing concerns about the militarisation of politics and shrinking democratic space in the East African nation. The Ugandan government has not officially addressed the general’s statements, but authorities have continued to defend the conduct of the election and the post-poll security measures, insisting they are necessary to maintain law and order. International observers, including civil society groups and foreign governments, are closely monitoring developments, urging restraint, respect for human rights, and dialogue to prevent further escalation. As tensions remain high, many fear that the standoff between the government and the opposition could deepen Uganda’s political crisis in the days ahead.