Why Museveni’s Son Muhoozi is Offering Military Support to President Ruto

Ugandan military General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has publicly declared his support for Kenyan President William Ruto amidst escalating anti-government protests in Kenya, offering potential military assistance from the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF).

The General, known for his outspoken presence on the social media platform X, conveyed his stance directly, stating that President Ruto is the only person he is supporting in Kenya.

"The only Kenyan I support at this point is Afande Ruto. If he needs any support from UPDF we shall provide it!” he tweeted.

This declaration comes as Kenya grapples with widespread anti-government demonstrations, notably the recent Saba Saba protests, which have led to significant casualties.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that the death toll from the protests had risen to 31. These protests, fueled by public anger over economic hardship, the high cost of living, new tax proposals, and alleged police brutality, have seen clashes across multiple towns and cities.

In a separate series of posts, General Kainerugaba also hinted at the sole type of demonstration he would endorse within Uganda: one targeting the German Ambassador.

He stated, "The only demonstration I support is against the German Ambassador." He further added that his supporters shall demonstrate there until the ambassador leaves.

While expressing a strong personal aversion, President Museveni’s son who doubles up as the military chief noted that he won’t render any apology to the German ambassador in Uganda because he has a problem with his physical appearance.

 "I have hurled a couple of insults against the German Ambassador over the last couple of weeks. I DON'T apologize for ANYTHING! I was always uncomfortable with his height and the size of his nose."

The German Ambassador in question is Matthias Schauer. The genesis of this perceived feud stems from accusations by General Kainerugaba's Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) that Ambassador Schauer has engaged in "undiplomatic conduct" and interfered in Uganda's internal affairs.

Reports indicate that Ambassador Schauer had criticized General Kainerugaba's social media posts targeting Western envoys during a meeting with EU diplomats and President Museveni's brother. Uganda's military also announced a suspension of defense ties with Germany, citing Schauer's alleged subversive activities, claims which Germany has dismissed as "baseless" and "absurd".

General Kainerugaba's statements on X have frequently drawn controversy. His history on the platform includes inflammatory remarks such as referring to opposition leader Kizza Besigye as a "traitor" and threatening “to kill” opposition figure Bobi Wine.

His social media activity has previously sparked diplomatic rows, including an instance in 2022 when he apologized to President William Ruto after making a controversial tweet about capturing Nairobi.

\Despite past pronouncements of leaving X to focus on military duties, he has consistently returned to the platform.