"You’ll Never Make Us Your Slaves," Museveni’s Son Responds to US Senator

Uganda–United States relations were thrust into renewed uncertainty on Tuesday, February 3, after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni, issued a public response to warnings from a senior U.S. senator over his recent conduct.

General Muhoozi reacted directly to remarks by U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Jim Risch, who had accused him of crossing a “red line” and triggering a potential reassessment of bilateral security cooperation.

In his reply, Muhoozi rejected both the tone and substance of the senator’s comments, insisting on respect for Uganda’s sovereignty and military leadership.

“My name is not ‘Commander @mkainerugaba’,” Muhoozi wrote, objecting to the manner in which he was addressed.

He went on to assert, “My name is General Muhoozi Kainerugaba,” before challenging the basis of the accusations leveled against him by the American lawmaker.

He further questioned the warning itself, asking pointedly, “What ‘Red line’ have I crossed according to you?” before addressing the future of bilateral ties.

According to Muhoozi, Washington was free to make its own decisions, but not to demean Uganda, stating that the United States could “re-evaluate whatever you want as far as our co-operation is concerned.”

Muhoozi to US Senator

In the same statement, Muhoozi escalated his language, arguing that Uganda would not accept what he described as condescension.

“You will never DEMEAN and DEGRADE us,” he said, adding emphatically, “You will never make us your slaves.”

The remarks show a defiant tone that contrasts sharply with calls from Western partners for restraint and diplomatic caution.

Also Read: Bobi Wine Pressures Commonwealth to Act Against Museveni’s Government

The general’s response came days after Senator Risch stated on January 31, 2026, signaling potential consequences for Uganda.

In that earlier message, the senator said, “Commander @mkainerugaba has crossed a red line,” and warned that the United States must “reevaluate its security partnership.”

U.S. Warnings and Possible Sanctions

Risch’s remarks went further, noting that a review could include “sanctions, and military cooperation with Uganda.”

He argued that Muhoozi’s status as “the president’s son, and likely successor,” heightened the stakes, insisting that such conduct could not be brushed aside.

Also Read: Trump’s Govt Threatens Uganda with Sanctions Despite Museveni’s Son’s Apology

“The president’s son, and likely successor, cannot just delete tweets and issue hollow apologies,” Risch said, stressing that Washington viewed the matter as serious.

He concluded with a broader regional warning, stating, “The U.S. will not tolerate this level of instability and recklessness when American personnel, U.S. interests, and innocent lives in the region are at stake.”

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