Uganda’s military chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has ignited fresh controversy in East Africa after publicly claiming responsibility for the deportation of Kenyan politician and lawyer Martha Karua from Uganda, insisting that the decision was his alone and should not be blamed on his father, President Yoweri Museveni.
The outspoken army commander took to social media shortly after Karua’s deportation from Entebbe, declaring that he personally ordered the action and had no regrets about it.
“Do not blame my great father for this decision. I deported her myself. She’s no longer allowed in our country,” Muhoozi wrote on X.
His remarks came after Karua was reportedly denied entry into Uganda and subsequently deported, an incident that has triggered intense debate across Kenya and Uganda regarding political freedoms, regional diplomacy, and the treatment of opposition figures.
Muhoozi Doubles Down
Rather than soften his stance, Muhoozi escalated the matter by linking Karua’s deportation to what he described as security operations against opposition forces.
In another post, he stated:
“Our operations against the Opposition last week are a reassurance to the great Ugandan people by the Security Forces that Uganda will NEVER be led or controlled by a foreign-sponsored political organisation!”
The comments fueled speculation that Ugandan authorities viewed Karua’s visit through a political lens rather than as a routine regional engagement.
Karua’s Growing Role in Ugandan Opposition Matters
Karua has in recent months become increasingly involved in legal and political issues affecting opposition figures in Uganda.
The former Kenyan Justice Minister has been associated with efforts to support democratic reforms and legal representation for opposition leaders facing state pressure.
Her deportation comes at a time when Uganda is experiencing heightened political tensions following the country’s recent elections and continued confrontations between the government and opposition movements.
Human rights groups and opposition leaders have repeatedly raised concerns over arrests, detentions and restrictions on political activities.
Who is Muhoozi Kainerugaba?
Muhoozi, the son of President Museveni, is one of the most influential figures in Uganda’s security establishment.
He currently serves as Chief of Defence Forces and has long been viewed as a key power broker within the country.
Over the years, he has frequently made headlines for controversial social media posts.
In 2022, he caused a diplomatic stir after claiming he could capture Nairobi in two weeks, remarks that prompted concern in Kenya and attracted international attention.
More recently, Muhoozi has attracted criticism from opposition figures and rights activists over inflammatory statements directed at government critics.
International media reports have documented several instances in which he publicly threatened or mocked opposition leaders and lawyers.
Regional Reactions Expected
The Martha Karua deportation saga is likely to further strain discussions about democracy, human rights and political freedoms within the East African Community.
Karua, known for her outspoken stance on governance and constitutionalism across the region, remains one of Kenya’s most prominent political figures.
Her treatment in Uganda has already generated strong reactions on social media, with many observers questioning the implications for cross-border political engagement.
While Ugandan authorities have not publicly provided a detailed explanation for the deportation, Muhoozi’s own admissions have placed him at the center of the controversy, turning what might have been a routine immigration matter into a regional political storm.
As criticism mounted, Muhoozi remained defiant, making it clear that he stands by the decision and insisting that responsibility lies solely with him, not with President Museveni.
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