Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has sparked renewed political tension after issuing a sharp response to a deeply personal statement by Barbie Kyagulanyi, the wife of opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Barbie had earlier opened up about the emotional toll of political pressure and security operations targeting her family, describing a period of trauma and identity loss that resonated with many of her supporters across Uganda.
“I still vividly remember the moment everything I had built over the years collapsed. The day every part of my life fell apart simultaneously,” she said.
“My life got formatted and everything that I had carefully crafted just crumbled before my own eyes… In that moment, everything I had built my identity on melted through my fingers. My soul died!”
Her remarks painted a picture of deep personal upheaval following months of sustained pressure, including security operations around her family home during politically sensitive periods.
“For three months, I have been facing the chaos of transformation… Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror and can’t seem to know who I am anymore,” she added.
Despite the trauma, she acknowledged the support she received during the difficult period.
“The bitter/sweet part of all this is that I will never be the same again… In the chaos of fundamental change, I have learnt to love more and in many aspects, I am different,” she said.
However, General Muhoozi responded with a combative message directed at the opposition leader and his family.
“Nice effort Barbie. We are going to capture your USELESS husband whatever he does. All his fame is because of President Museveni. It will be a different story soon!” he said.
The statement has drawn sharp reactions from political observers, who view it as an escalation of rhetoric from the military establishment.
Analysts note that such remarks, especially from a serving army chief, carry significant implications in Uganda’s already tense political environment.
Muhoozi’s comments also directly referenced President Yoweri Museveni, crediting him with Bobi Wine’s political rise—an assertion that opposition supporters have strongly disputed.