Andrew Mwenda
The Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly apologised to President Yoweri Museveni following controversial remarks by political analyst Andrew Mwenda, marking a new turn in the growing rift within pro-government circles.
In a statement issued in his capacity as Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), Muhoozi described Mwenda’s comments as “embarrassing, uncharacteristic and wrong,” distancing both himself and the political outfit from the outspoken analyst’s criticism.
“As Chairman of PLU, I want to sincerely apologize to H.E. the President for the embarrassing, uncharacteristic and wrong words one of our members, Andrew Mwenda, used against you,” Muhoozi said.
“We are going to subject our member to a disciplinary process. The NRM/PLU alliance is strong.”
The apology follows a public exchange between Museveni and Mwenda that has drawn attention across Uganda’s political landscape.
Mwenda had questioned the president’s support for certain local industrial projects and individuals, remarks that were widely interpreted as unusually sharp criticism from a long-time ally.
Museveni responded in a series of statements defending his economic policies, particularly his push for local manufacturing and value addition.
He accused critics of undermining national development efforts and dismissed Mwenda’s arguments as misguided.
Muhoozi’s intervention now introduces a political and organisational dimension to the dispute.
By signalling disciplinary action within PLU, he positions the remarks not just as personal opinion, but as a breach of internal standards within a group closely aligned with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Political observers note that the statement underscores the sensitivity of internal criticism within Uganda’s pro-government networks, especially when directed at the president.
It also highlights Muhoozi’s growing role in managing political messaging and cohesion among allies.