Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s military head and the son of long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, made a shocking statement on social media Sunday, saying he would behead opposition leader Bobi Wine if not for his father’s protection.
Kainerugaba, who is widely considered Museveni’s successor, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Museveni, referred to by the honorific “Mzee,” was the only reason Bobi Wine was still alive. “If Mzee was not there, I would cut off his head today,” Kainerugaba wrote.
The post drew sharp reactions from Bobi Wine, a musician-turned-politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. Wine, who finished second in Uganda’s contentious 2021 presidential election, said he did not take the threat lightly, pointing to previous assassination attempts on his life.
In a subsequent exchange, Kainerugaba taunted Wine, saying: “Finally! I woke you up? Before I behead you, repay us the money we loaned you,” hinting at alleged government efforts to compromise the opposition leader.
Ugandan officials, including spokespeople for Kainerugaba and the government, did not respond to requests for comment. A military spokesperson declined to discuss the general’s remarks, which the government has previously dismissed as “casual” and not reflective of official policy.
Bobi Wine has remained one of President Museveni’s most formidable opponents, accusing the regime of election fraud, voter intimidation, and human rights violations during the 2021 election. He rejected the official results that extended Museveni’s nearly 40-year rule.
Kainerugaba, known for his controversial social media activity, previously made headlines in 2022 when he threatened to invade Kenya, a statement he later apologized for. Despite his apology, critics say his posts reflect a deeper culture of impunity in Uganda’s leadership.
Human rights activists and international organizations have long accused Museveni’s administration of widespread abuses, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and suppression of political dissent. The government denies these allegations.
