The Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has renewed his public criticism of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, accusing him of abandoning his supporters shortly after the January general election.
In a statement, Muhoozi took aim at Bobi Wine’s decision to travel to the United States days after the polls, where he stayed for several months.
The military chief questioned the opposition leader’s commitment, arguing that his absence left his party without direction at a critical political moment.
“Imagine a 46-year-old so-called leader of the opposition, who mobilises people to vote for him and his party and then escapes to the USA, nine days after the elections and remains there on holiday for six months, leaving his party without any direction,” Muhoozi said.
The remarks signal a deepening rift between the two figures, coming just days after Bobi Wine criticised Muhoozi’s leadership of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in relation to the reported detention of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Political analysts say the exchange shows the widening divide between Uganda’s opposition leadership and the military establishment, with both sides increasingly engaging in direct and personal attacks.
Bobi Wine has previously defended his post-election travel, citing security concerns and the need to engage international stakeholders following the disputed election outcome.
He has also consistently accused the government of targeting opposition supporters, allegations authorities deny.
Muhoozi, on the other hand, has maintained a visible and often controversial presence in political discourse despite his role as head of the armed forces, drawing criticism from some quarters over the perceived overlap between military leadership and political engagement.