Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda has said that Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s recent hardline statements on corruption are gaining strong public approval, arguing that they reflect growing frustration among Ugandans with the country’s democratic and accountability systems.
Mwenda made the remarks during an interview on NBS Television, where he analysed the political impact of Muhoozi’s increasing presence on social media and public governance debates.
Mwenda said public sentiment is shifting in favour of decisive action against corruption, even when it comes through unconventional or military-linked messaging.
He stated:
“People are very happy with Gen. Muhoozi. They think he has taken an action in Uganda that has been lacking.”
His comments come in the wake of Muhoozi’s recent posts on X, where the Chief of Defence Forces has declared an “Operation Maliza Ufisadi,” claiming that security agencies are targeting corrupt officials, recovering stolen public assets, and warning that arrests could follow for those implicated.
The posts have also included strong warnings to lawyers defending corruption suspects and directives linked to tighter control of public spending.
Mwenda argued that such messaging is resonating with a population that has long expressed dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of civilian oversight institutions.
He said the country’s political system has contributed to widespread public disappointment, adding:
“The conduct of our democratic process has led us to a place where Ugandans are frustrated with the processes.”
According to Mwenda, this frustration has created space for figures who project decisiveness and immediate action, regardless of the institutional framework through which they operate.
He suggested that public opinion is increasingly driven by perceived results rather than procedural governance norms.
He further claimed that Muhoozi’s popularity could already be higher than that of other national figures, stating:
“You can do a poll right now and Muhoozi is the most admired public figure in Uganda.”
Muhoozi’s recent statements have sparked debate across Uganda’s political and governance landscape, with supporters praising his anti-corruption stance while critics raise concerns about due process and institutional balance.
His posts have also coincided with heightened political scrutiny involving senior government figures and renewed public discussion on accountability and power concentration.