Uganda President’s son sparks outrage with voter threats and army dress rule
Uganda’s army chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni has sparked public anger after threatening to deport citizens who vote against his father in the upcoming election.
He also banned female soldiers from wearing trousers.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is widely seen as his father's likely successor, made the remarks in a series of posts on social media on May 17.
He warned that those who do not support the president “wholeheartedly” should be “very careful” and went on to say that “traitors” would be deported “in public view.”
The comments come just months before Uganda’s general election, set for January, and as the government intensifies its clampdown on opposition voices.
Earlier this month, Kainerugaba claimed he was responsible for the capture and beating of Eddie Mutwe, the bodyguard of opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Mutwe later appeared in court with visible injuries. Uganda’s Justice Minister Norbert Mao confirmed the incident, saying Mutwe had been tortured.
Kainerugaba also wrote online that he took “full responsibility” for the actions of his soldiers, calling the assault on Mutwe “an appetiser.”
In another post, the general ordered that female soldiers must now wear skirts instead of trousers during parades.
“Trousers are for men, not for women,” he said. “Anyone who forces our sisters to put on trousers on parade again will have a very bad day.”
The Uganda People’s Defence Force includes a small number of female soldiers. While skirts are worn on ceremonial occasions, they are normally given the same uniform as men.
The general’s remarks have raised concerns both in Uganda and abroad, with critics accusing him of abusing his power and undermining democratic values.
