Veteran Ugandan journalist Andrew Mwenda has criticized repeated threats by United States officials to sanction Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, calling the actions “nauseating” and “colonial in mindset.”
Mwenda’s remarks, posted on X, came after the office of the chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee suggested sanctions against Gen. Muhoozi following a tweet by the CDF that implicated the US embassy in aiding opposition leader Bobi Wine.
The CDF later deleted the tweet and apologized after consulting the US ambassador. However, Mwenda says the US committee’s follow-up threats appear deliberately targeted.
“The constant threats of sanctions against our CDF, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, by the office of the chairman of our foreign relations committee of the Senate of the United States have become increasingly nauseating,” Mwenda wrote. “They seem driven by a deliberate and sustained desire to find some fault and get even with Gen Muhoozi.”
Mwenda argued that Uganda’s politics should be left to Ugandans.
He warned that foreign involvement undermines internal political processes and likened the repeated US threats to a “colonial” approach of managing African nations.
“Uganda’s internal politics need to be left to Ugandans. Through our constant disagreements, political struggles, negotiations, and compromises, we shall find our way,” he said.
Mwenda also told the US senator to focus on domestic issues, citing the growing political tension in the United States.
Highlighting historical precedents, Mwenda added that the US has previously sanctioned prominent African leaders such as Nelson Mandela, interfered in internal affairs of countries like Congo, and even overthrown governments, yet still sought to influence Uganda’s internal matters.
Mwenda concluded that while sanctions against Gen. Muhoozi may not intimidate Uganda, the persistent threats reflect a broader tendency of foreign actors attempting to influence African political landscapes.