Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Land Forces commander Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has launched a war of words on Twitter against former army commander Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu.
It all started on Monday May 9, 2022 when Muhoozi, through his Twitter handle, announced how he discovered a conspiracy in the army and reported it to his father Gen Museveni who is also the Commander-in-Chief.
“There was a terrible conspiracy amongst some people in the security services that wanted us to go to war with our brothers in Rwanda,” Muhoozi tweeted.
He added: “Their biggest catastrophe is that President @KagutaMuseveni appointed me CLF. Once I discovered this conspiracy, I reported to the President.”
Muntu, who is President of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Party on Monday advised Muhoozi to use the same insight to ask his father to retire him from the army so he can officially join politics.
“Great. Use the same insight to ask the CIC to retire you from the Army as you pursue your political Agenda. It is legitimate,” Muntu said.
According to Muntu, Muhooz was disrespecting the uniform by engaging in politics as a serving army officer.
“However, respect the officers & men in Uniform. NRA/ UPDF has been built through many sacrifices. Welcome to politics but GET OUT of uniform first,” Muntu added.
Great. Use the same insight to ask the CIC to retire you from the Army as you pursue your political Agenda. It is legitimate. However, respect the officers & men in Uniform. NRA/ UPDF has been built through many sacrifices. Welcome to politics but GET OUT of uniform first. https://t.co/bPWHc3yPRB
— Mugisha Muntu (@mugishamuntu) May 9, 2022
Muhoozi was recently sued by lawyer Gawaya Tegulle for allegedly holding political events and presidential campaigns through birthday parties.
Court has since summoned him alongside Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Wilson Mbadi and Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka.
In response to Muntu’s advice, Muhoozi remarked: “General Greg, first of all, habari ya siku mingi sana? I hope you are well? Secondly, me, my father and practically everybody else in UPDF does not require your ‘Insight’ into anything. Please keep it for yourself and your small collapsing political party.”
General Greg, first of all, habari ya siku mingi sana? I hope you are well? Secondly, me, my father and practically everybody else in UPDF does not require your 'Insight' into anything. Please keep it for yourself and your small collapsing political party. https://t.co/YC2exfHZzB
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) May 12, 2022
When Muntu responded, he not only advised Muhoozi to “soberly” re-read his remarks but went as far correcting the first son’s English.
“I’m well thanks. I’m sure you are. I think if you were to soberly reread my initial remarks, you will find that I referred to your “insight”, not mine. Also, it is “do not need” not does not need. I wasn’t under the impression that my opinion was “required”. I gave it anyway,” Muntu tweeted.
I'm well thanks. I'm sure you are.
I think if you were to soberly reread my initial remarks, you will find that I referred to your "insight", not mine.
Also, it is "do not need" not does not need.
I wasn't under the impression that my opinion was "required".
I gave it anyway. https://t.co/Q1yujQ1Z7y— Mugisha Muntu (@mugishamuntu) May 13, 2022
Muhoozi further pointed out how some opposition politicians and even “perennial Presidential candidates” have been reduced to “commenting on my tweets!”
“That’s their job. How pathetic! They think by catching a ride on the unstoppable train of young Ugandans they will be more relevant? History will absolve us!” he stated.
Some opposition politicians and even perennial Presidential candidates have been reduced to commenting on my tweets! That's their job. How pathetic! They think by catching a ride on the unstoppable train of young Ugandans they will be more relevant? History will absolve us!
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) May 12, 2022
Ugly twist
The exchange slowly moved towards Muntu’s era as army commander. It was Muhoozi who took this path.
“I wish my father had made Colonel Jet Mwebaze, Army Commander after Afande Saleh in 1989. He was a great commander for sure!” Muhoozi tweeted.
I wish my father had made Colonel Jet Mwebaze, Army Commander after Afande Saleh in 1989. He was a great commander for sure! pic.twitter.com/urRaFwpDN3
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) May 12, 2022
Muntu took over as army commander from Gen Salim Saleh and served for nine years.
“Mistakes we regret. Late Afande Jet should have been Army Commander! Our great Army would have been much greater. We spent almost 9 years under so called ‘Sober’ non-performers! They were better qualified for seminaries and church choirs than the army,” Muhoozi threw another jibe at Muntu.
Mistakes we regret. Late Afande Jet should have been Army Commander! Our great Army would have been much greater. We spent almost 9 years under so called 'Sober' non-performers! They were better qualified for seminaries and church choirs than the army. pic.twitter.com/3vpWHWTWq1
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) May 13, 2022
When confronted on the claim that he shouldn’t have succeeded Gen Saleh, Muntu replied: “Col Jet was a good fighter. May his Soul rest in eternal peace.”
Col Jet was a good fighter. May his Soul rest in eternal peace. https://t.co/phQAktCX8r
— Mugisha Muntu (@mugishamuntu) May 12, 2022
When a follower Glenor Ayebare (@AyebareGlenor) suggested that what Muntu referred to as politics was “just outpouring admiration of the men in Uniform from Ugandans”, the retired soldier responded:
“It is that admiration that should be respected & preserved if wisdom prevails. Should foolishness prevail respect & admiration can easily evaporate.”
It is that admiration that should be respected & preserved if wisdom prevails. Should foolishness prevail respect & admiration can easily evaporate. https://t.co/GnwowNH9B5
— Mugisha Muntu (@mugishamuntu) May 12, 2022
More parties underway
The social media exchanges come at a time Muhoozi is planning other birthday parties in Northern Uganda.
“As for my brothers and sisters in Northern Uganda. How can I ever forget you? I love you so much!! We are going to have the biggest party Uganda has ever seen!! I appoint Richard Todwong as chairman of the celebrations in Northern Uganda,” he announced on Monday.
Todwong, who is the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary-General, gladly accepted the appointment.
“Appointment accepted and the North is ready for you General. Happy birthday once again,” Todwong tweeted in response.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, also received a congratulatory message from former South African President Jacob Zuma.
“Baba Zuma, my President, my leader and my elder! Thank you very much for such a wonderful birthday message your Excellency! I thank you for all you did to protect me when I was on course in SA in 2012. God bless you for participating in the struggle of our brothers in SA!”
Baba Zuma, my President, my leader and my elder! Thank you very much for such a wonderful birthday message your Excellency! I thank you for all you did to protect me when I was on course in SA in 2012. God bless you for participating in the struggle of our brothers in SA! pic.twitter.com/2lcPcT7a0q
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) May 12, 2022
