CMP Report – October 7, 2024
In a strongly worded statement, Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Nkunyingi Muwadda has condemned recent threats made by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, against U.S. Ambassador William Popp. Muwadda’s response follows Gen. Muhoozi’s ultimatum issued on X (formerly Twitter), where the general threatened “hell, destruction, and defeat” against Ambassador Popp unless he apologizes by October 7, 2024, for unspecified actions deemed disrespectful towards Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
The Shadow Minister’s Response
Minister Nkunyingi, in his official capacity as Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, has labeled Muhoozi’s threats as reckless, undiplomatic, and a violation of Uganda’s constitutional values. In his statement, Nkunyingi condemned the CDF’s behavior, stressing that diplomatic communication must adhere to formal protocols and be handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not through social media ultimatums. He criticized Muhoozi for endangering the country’s international relations with such inflammatory remarks(
UG Diplomat
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Nkunyingi’s statement demands that the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs provide clarity on whether the Ugandan government supports Gen. Muhoozi’s threats, or if the military intends to take action against the U.S. Ambassador or the U.S. Embassy in Kampala. He further calls on the government to retract the threats immediately and apologize to both Ambassador Popp and the U.S. government.
Concerns Over Rule of Law and Governance
The Shadow Minister also expressed deep concern over the state of governance in Uganda, pointing out that this incident reflects the growing impunity among certain state actors. Nkunyingi warned that such reckless rhetoric erodes Uganda’s rule of law, democratic governance, and human rights protection, especially given that the threats were made in a personal capacity rather than through official government channels. He emphasized that Gen. Muhoozi’s actions threaten to undermine Uganda’s international standing and relations with the United States, a key ally
Nkunyingi stressed that while Uganda values its relationship with the American people, the government must ensure that military officials are kept in check to prevent any undermining of the nation’s diplomatic efforts. He further noted that Gen. Muhoozi must not misuse his military position for personal or familial interests, referencing Museveni’s long-standing leadership and the potential for the military to overreach its authority.
Call for Enhanced Security and Apology
In light of the threats, the Shadow Minister also recommended that the U.S. government enhance the security of Ambassador Popp and all U.S. diplomatic staff in Uganda. He urged Washington to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing that the safety of diplomats must be a priority in the wake of such inflammatory statements
Nkunyingi concluded by asserting that the people of Uganda must be protected from such political intimidation and manipulation, and urged the international community to stand with Ugandans in their pursuit of democracy and the rule of law.
Key Points from the Shadow Minister’s Statement:
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba issued threats against U.S. Ambassador William Popp, demanding an apology by October 7, 2024.
Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Nkunyingi condemned these threats as reckless and undiplomatic, calling for an immediate apology and retraction.
The Shadow Minister demanded that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarify the government’s stance and denounce Muhoozi’s threats.
Nkunyingi warned that the rhetoric undermines Uganda’s governance, rule of law, and international relations, especially with the United States.
He also called for increased security measures for U.S. diplomats in Uganda and emphasized the need for accountability within Uganda’s military and government.
This escalating diplomatic spat has drawn considerable attention, with both Ugandan citizens and international bodies waiting to see how the Ugandan government will respond to Muhoozi’s ultimatum and whether the U.S. will take further action.