General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, has caused a storm of controversy with his recent statements calling for physical punishment against opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. Muhoozi, who holds a significant position in Uganda’s military, posted a series of alarming directives on X (formerly Twitter), including orders for the police to physically assault the NUP leader.
In a chilling tweet, Muhoozi instructed the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) to “beat Kabobi (Bobi Wine)” and insisted that the opposition leader should end up in the hospital, stating, “This March, JATT must beat Kabobi. He must end up in the hospital this month!” His harsh words have reignited fears of increasing political repression in Uganda, with many seeing this as a dangerous call for state-sponsored violence against political opponents.
Muhoozi’s rhetoric didn’t stop with Bobi Wine. He further demanded that police officers use physical force against NUP members and warned that any officer who refused would be dismissed. “Any police officer who refuses to beat NUP members will be fired, regardless of their rank!” his post read, signaling an alarming escalation in the government’s crackdown on opposition groups.
In addition, Muhoozi announced that the National Unity Platform (NUP) would be labeled a rebel group starting on July 7, granting security forces the authority to target and kill anyone wearing NUP uniforms. This declaration has sent shockwaves through the nation, with human rights organizations and political analysts condemning the threats as a direct violation of political freedoms and human rights.
The escalating threats against Bobi Wine and NUP supporters have sparked outrage both within Uganda and internationally. Critics argue that Muhoozi’s comments reflect the Ugandan government’s increasing authoritarianism and its willingness to use violence to suppress opposition. As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, these latest developments have raised serious concerns about the future of democracy in the country.
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