General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, has demanded an apology from the US ambassador, William Popp, to President Museveni – for alleged disrespect. Muhoozi warned that failure to comply would result in his expulsion. His demand follows accusations from Muhoozi that the US is working against President Museveni’s government and undermining Uganda’s sovereignty, particularly after the US recently sanctioned four Ugandan police officials for alleged human-rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, and corruption.
The rift is a surprise departure from regular proceedings. Uganda has been an indispensable US asset in the region for decades, particularly in furthering US interests in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The US has, for example, maintained silent complicity despite knowledge of Ugandan theft of DRC’s resources – as per UN reports published in 2001. The status quo marked by instability has been lucrative for the Western-dominated global economy as it has meant the Congolese people cannot exercise control over their minerals.
However, 2023 did see heightened tension between the two countries when Uganda passed its anti-gay law, introducing lengthy jail terms and even the death penalty for so-called ‘aggravated homosexuality.’ The Biden White House expressed its dissatisfaction, threatening sanctions, cutting World Bank funding and imposing visa restrictions on Ugandan officials.
Was the law the final straw? Could it be why the US is ratcheting up pressure now as well?
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You’ve really given me something to think about.