A fresh political storm is brewing in Uganda after Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba appeared to take issue with the reported appointment of Dr Chris Baryomunsi as Minister of Health in President Yoweri Museveni’s latest cabinet lineup.
In a series of posts shared on his X account on Thursday morning, Muhoozi used unusually strong language directed at Baryomunsi, signalling renewed tension between the two senior figures in government and ruling party circles.
He stated: “Either that small boy Baryomunsi apologises to me or else I will destroy him.” The remarks immediately drew attention given Muhoozi’s position as head of the armed forces and his history of politically charged social media statements.
In another post, he suggested that President Museveni may have been misled in making the appointment. “I think Mzee was given wrong information, in appointing Baryomunsi.
He did not have all the facts,” he wrote, questioning the decision at the top level of government.
Muhoozi further escalated his criticism, writing: “I'm done talking about a criminal.” In a follow-up message, he added: “Let's see how long this Baryomunsi survives.”
The posts did not provide further details or context for the accusations.
Dr Baryomunsi, a senior politician and long-serving government minister, has previously clashed with Muhoozi over his political statements and online activity.
In past exchanges, Baryomunsi has publicly cautioned the general against engaging in partisan discourse while serving in the military, arguing that it risks undermining institutional discipline and public confidence.
Those remarks had previously triggered sharp responses from Muhoozi, deepening an already strained relationship between the two.
The latest comments come at a sensitive political moment, following ongoing adjustments within Uganda’s cabinet structure and renewed debate over the role of military leaders in political communication