Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has distanced himself from alleged vulgar statements circulating on social media, insisting that the remarks being attributed to him are fabricated and misrepresented in an escalating online political dispute involving senior figures and critics of Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The controversy emerged after exiled lawyer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija shared claims on X suggesting that Ssenyonyi had used vulgar language directed at Gen. Muhoozi in the wake of a series of politically charged exchanges on the platform.
The post quickly triggered reactions across Uganda’s political and digital spaces, intensifying already heightened tensions between opposition figures and supporters of the military leadership.
However, Ssenyonyi firmly rejected the claims, saying he has never engaged in vulgar or abusive communication in his political engagements.
“I disagree with Muhoozi, but I’m not vulgar, that’s not how I do things,” Ssenyonyi stated. “I will always communicate my disagreements in a principled manner. Stop your forgeries Kakwenza.”
His remarks come amid a broader wave of online confrontations involving Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has recently intensified political messaging directed at opposition leaders, including Ssenyonyi, over their roles in Parliament and national politics.
The exchanges have fuelled public debate over the boundaries of political expression and the growing influence of social media in shaping Uganda’s political discourse.
Ssenyonyi’s denial also underscores ongoing concerns about misinformation and manipulated content circulating online, particularly in politically sensitive environments where digital posts can quickly escalate into national controversy.