Faith Nyasuguta
In a recent diplomatic row, Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda following remarks made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda and son of President Yoweri Museveni. The comments, which were perceived as disparaging, have sparked significant controversy and condemnation from the Sudanese government.
The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong statement condemning the “irresponsible” comments made by General Kainerugaba. The remarks, posted on the X platform (formerly Twitter), included a direct threat to seize the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, immediately upon the inauguration of the elected US President Donald Trump. The posts were later deleted, but not before they had caused widespread outrage.
Background of the Controversy
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is no stranger to controversy. Known for his outspoken nature on social media, he has previously made headlines for his provocative statements. In this instance, his comments were seen as a blatant violation of international law and diplomatic norms. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the remarks as a complete disregard for the principles of decorum and discipline expected from senior political and military officials.
The Sudanese government emphasized that threatening war and violating national sovereignty represents a grave breach of the United Nations Charter, the African Union’s principles, and international law. The Ministry’s statement stressed that such statements should not be used as a platform for sensationalism or seeking attention, urging responsibility in comments related to international peace and security.
Sudan’s Response
In response to the comments, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded an official apology from the Ugandan government. The Ministry called on the African Union and other regional and international bodies to strongly condemn these remarks, which pose a direct threat to regional and international security and are an affront to African peoples.
The statement from the Sudanese Ministry read, “These comments embody an abnormal precedent and a regrettable level of disregard for international law, the norms of dealing between states, and the requirements of mutual respect between brotherly and friendly peoples.” The Ministry further added that the threat of war, the violation of the sovereignty of states, and the challenge to the Charter of the United Nations, the African Union, and the rules of international law are too dangerous to be a subject of trivialization, seeking the spotlight, and astonishment.
Regional Reactions
The controversy has not been limited to Sudan alone. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) also summoned Uganda’s Acting Chargé d’Affaires in Kinshasa, Matata Twaha Magara, seeking clarification on recent remarks made by General Kainerugaba concerning President Félix Tshisekedi and the alleged presence of foreign mercenaries in eastern DRC. The meeting, initiated by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, was prompted by a series of posts on X by General Kainerugaba.
Among the controversial statements was a warning issued on December 16, 2024: “I’m going to give only ONE WARNING to ALL white mercenaries operating in eastern DRC. From 2nd January 2025, we will attack all mercenaries in our area of operations.” He added, “In the name of Jesus Christ, the God of all Bachwezi, there shall not be left one white mercenary in DRC this time next year!”
Uganda’s Position
The Ugandan government has yet to issue an official response to Sudan’s demands. However, this is not the first time Uganda has had to distance itself from General Kainerugaba’s remarks. In the past, he has made similar comments about other countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt. On all occasions, Uganda has distanced itself from his comments, emphasizing that they do not reflect the official stance of the Ugandan government.
General Kainerugaba, who is seen as his father’s likely successor, has a history of making controversial statements. His previous threats to invade Kenya while serving as commander of the land forces led to his dismissal from that post before being appointed commander of the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces.
Implications for Regional Stability
The remarks by General Kainerugaba have raised concerns about regional stability. Sudan, which is currently embroiled in a 20-month war between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, views any signs of conflict with heightened sensitivity. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the international community to “make noise” about the comments of the Ugandan military chief.
Sudan is currently suspended as a member of the African Union due to the military’s toppling of a civilian-led government in October 2021. In April 2023, the war erupted, leading Sudan to suspend itself from the regional bloc, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
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