A simmering political tensions in Uganda erupted into an online firestorm after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni and head of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), issued a series of incendiary threats against opposition leader Kyagulanyi Robert, better known as Bobi Wine.
In a flurry of tweets on Sunday night December 5, 2024, Muhoozi accused the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader of betraying the government, claiming that Bobi Wine had been financially backed by the regime to overshadow longtime opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Muhoozi’s explosive claims
In his tweets, Muhoozi referred to Bobi Wine as ‘Kabobi’ and claimed that the government had orchestrated his rise to weaken Besigye’s influence as the leading opposition figure.
“Kabobi knows that THE ONLY person protecting him from me is my father. If Mzee was not there, I would cut off his head today!” Muhoozi declared.
Many were shocked by Muhoozi’s claim that his father, Museveni – whom he referred to as ‘Mzee’ – is the only one preventing him from harming Bobi Wine.
“You’re shocked by that? I haven’t even started on that Kabobi fool…let him run to Mzee for refuge as usual,” he said.
Muhoozi went on to explain how he concocted the idea of replacing Besigye with Bobi Wine.
“It was actually our idea (me and other Generals). We convinced Mzee that we can use Kabobi to remove Besigye from being kingpin of the opposition. After we supported him with alot of money (and he succeeded) he started abusing us,” he added.
Muhoozi vowed that Bobi Wine’s political leeway had come to an end.
“The pass we gave Kabobi in 2020-2021 NO LONGER EXISTS!! Even if he runs under which Mzungu’s underpants.”
Bobi Wine responds
Bobi Wine, the musician-turned-politician who has been a vocal critic of Museveni’s administration, responded to Muhoozi’s threats with a defiant message.
While he did not confirm or deny Muhoozi’s claims of government funding, he condemned the threats against him.
“The threat by Museveni’s son (who also heads Uganda’s military) to behead me is not something I take lightly, given that many have been killed by him and his father, and considering their several attempts at my life. I REFUSE to be intimidated by the cowardly regime. The world is watching,” Bobi Wine wrote.
Muhoozi doubles down
Muhoozi quickly reacted to Bobi Wine’s statement, demanding repayment of the claimed financial support before threatening further action.
“Finally! I woke you up? Before I behead you, repay us the money we loaned you,” Muhoozi retorted.
“Kabobi, yes I am Museveni’s son. Whose son are you?” he added in a separate tweet.
In an escalating series of threats, Muhoozi warned Bobi Wine against invoking his family’s name. The UPDF general vowed to physically assault the NUP leader.
“Kabobi, I’m going to BEAT the CRAP OUT of you whomever you hide behind! Just utter my name or my family’s name again and I will break all those monkey teeth of yours!!”
Political ramifications
The public exchange has drawn widespread attention, both locally and internationally, underscoring the deepening political divisions in Uganda.
Bobi Wine has previously accused the government of orchestrating violent crackdowns on his supporters and attempting to assassinate him.
In September 2024, Bobi Wine accused the police of shooting him in the leg as he returned from a Thanksgiving ceremony in Bulindo, Kiira Municipality, Wakiso District.
The Ugandan police initially dismissed the claim, stating that Bobi Wine had stumbled while getting into his vehicle. However, they later recanted and announced an investigation into the incident.
The confrontation between Muhoozi and Bobi Wine highlights the volatile state of Ugandan politics as the country approaches a politically charged period with looming presidential elections in January 2026.
