Uganda’s military leadership has issued a stern ultimatum to the U.S. Ambassador, William Popp, demanding an apology to President Yoweri Museveni or immediate departure from the country.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces, gave Ambassador Popp a three-day deadline to “apologize to Mzee personally” for alleged disrespect or face expulsion.
In a series of posts on X (formerly known as Twitter), General Muhoozi accused Popp of engaging in “undiplomatic behavior” and undermining both President Museveni and Uganda’s sovereignty.
“We will demand he leaves Uganda,” Muhoozi declared, setting Monday at 9 am as the deadline for compliance. While the specifics of Popp’s alleged behavior remain unclear, the timing of the ultimatum comes as Uganda approaches its highly anticipated 2026 elections, during which President Museveni seeks a seventh term in office.
Muhoozi’s accusations against the U.S. appear to reflect growing frustrations within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), founded by Museveni in 1986.
General Muhoozi has been a vocal proponent of his father’s administration and has previously indicated an interest in succeeding Museveni as president.
However, after months of speculation, Muhoozi recently announced he would not run in the 2026 election, instead endorsing his 80-year-old father while asserting that Uganda can only be governed by the military.
Muhoozi’s latest comments highlight concerns of foreign interference, particularly in Uganda’s domestic affairs.
“This is not just about General MK; it involves President Museveni, the government, and the people of Uganda. This is a national issue,” Muhoozi emphasized, warning that Uganda would no longer tolerate external influence.
This diplomatic standoff occurs against a backdrop of increasing U.S. sanctions on Ugandan officials. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on high-ranking government figures for alleged human rights abuses, further straining bilateral relations.
Recently, four members of Uganda’s Police Force were sanctioned for involvement in torture, with the U.S. extending sanctions to include several prominent Ugandan politicians and their spouses, including Speaker Anita Among and FUFA President Moses Magogo.
General Muhoozi’s ultimatum represents an escalation in tensions that could jeopardize Uganda’s international standing. His fiery rhetoric, often delivered via social media, has previously drawn criticism for its unpredictability, but the direct challenge to the U.S. could carry serious diplomatic consequences.
The U.S. Embassy in Kampala has yet to respond publicly to the ultimatum. However, given the growing tensions, this latest development underscores the fragility of Uganda’s diplomatic relations with the West as it prepares for its most contested election in decades.