The U.S. government has not accepted an apology—rather than a “pardon”—from Ugandan General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces.
Following the disputed January 2026 elections, the situation developed on January 30, 2026, General Muhoozi posted several controversial messages on X (formerly Twitter), accusing the U.S. Embassy in Kampala of aiding opposition leader Bobi Wine.
He also threatened to suspend all military cooperation with the United States.Within hours, Muhoozi deleted the posts and issued an apology, claiming he had been “misinformed”. He reaffirmed that bilateral military ties remained intact.
Despite the apology, high-ranking U.S. officials, including Senator Jim Risch, have reportedly rejected the gesture. Risch urged the Trump administration to impose sanctions on Muhoozi, citing human rights abuses and election-related violence.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the U.S. Treasury Department has already initiated or is calling for sanctions, including visa restrictions and asset freezes, due to Muhoozi’s role in suppressing political opposition.
By Anthony Solly
