Tensions between Uganda and the United States have escalated following a sharp exchange on social media involving Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and a senior US senator.

On January 31, 2026, US Senator Jim Risch, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, posted on X that General Muhoozi has crossed a red line. He called on Washington to reassess its security partnership with Uganda, including potential sanctions and changes to military cooperation.

“The president’s son, and likely successor, cannot just delete tweets and issue hollow apologies,” Senator Risch wrote. “The U.S. will not tolerate this level of instability and recklessness.”

The dispute began after General Muhoozi, son of President Yoweri Museveni, posted on X, claiming that the US Embassy in Kampala had assisted opposition leader Bobi Wine to escape or interfered in Uganda’s internal affairs.

He later deleted the posts and apologised, saying he had received incorrect information and had spoken with the US Ambassador.

“Cooperation will continue as normal,” he added.

Senator Risch dismissed the apology as inadequate. In his post, he quoted a Daily Monitor article and directly tagged General Muhoozi’s handle.

Military stands by Museveni

Uganda’s military spokesperson, Colonel Chris Magezi, responded firmly on February 1, 2026, defending the country’s position.

“Uganda is a sovereign and independent country,” he wrote. “The people of Uganda, expressing themselves in a free and fair democratic election, recently re-elected President Yoweri Museveni and other leaders to lead them for the next five years. It was an overwhelming mandate in which the President obtained 72% electoral backing.”

He added that the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) pays allegiance to the President of the Republic of Uganda and the sovereign decisions made by the people.

Colonel Magezi described Senator Risch’s remarks as threats and intimidation by a foreign power in their country’s internal affairs and called them an outdated colonial tactic that will be vigorously resisted, especially coming from a so-called senator.

Colonel Magezi highlighted the long history of cooperation between Uganda and the US in defence, security, health, and education.

“The beneficial relationship between our two countries will not change because of one wayward and loose cannon senator,” he concluded.

The tensions follow Uganda’s general elections on January 15, 2026, in which President Museveni won another term. Observers from the US and the EU questioned the credibility of the process, citing concerns over fairness and transparency. Senator Risch had previously criticised the elections as hollow and staged to legitimise Museveni’s rule.