The disagreement began on January 31, 2026, when Senator Risch posted a strongly worded message on X, accusing General Muhoozi of crossing a diplomatic red line.
The senator urged Washington to reconsider its security partnership with Uganda and hinted at possible sanctions and adjustments to military cooperation.
“The president’s son, and likely successor, cannot just delete tweets and issue hollow apologies,” Risch wrote.
“The president’s son, and likely successor, cannot just delete tweets and issue hollow apologies,” Risch wrote.
“The US will not tolerate this level of instability and recklessness.”
His comments followed controversial posts by General Muhoozi alleging that the US Embassy in Kampala had interfered in Uganda’s internal political affairs by assisting opposition leader Bobi Wine.
The general later deleted the posts and issued an apology, saying he had acted on incorrect information and had since held discussions with the US Ambassador.
“Cooperation will continue as normal,” Muhoozi stated after retracting his claims.
However, Senator Risch dismissed the apology as insufficient, citing concerns over the implications of such statements from a senior military leader. He referenced a media report and directly tagged the general’s official account in his response.
The exchange has drawn a firm reaction from Uganda’s military establishment. On February 1, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi issued a statement defending the country’s sovereignty and leadership.
“Uganda is a sovereign and independent country,” Magezi said.
“The people of Uganda recently expressed themselves in a free and fair democratic election, giving President Yoweri Museveni an overwhelming mandate with 72 per cent of the vote.”
Magezi emphasized that the UPDF remains loyal to the President and the decisions made by Ugandan citizens through their electoral process. He described the US senator’s remarks as intimidation and interference in Uganda’s internal matters.
He further termed the comments as reflective of outdated colonial attitudes that Uganda would strongly resist.
“The beneficial relationship between our two countries will not change because of one wayward and loose cannon senator,” Magezi added.
The disagreement comes shortly after Uganda’s general elections held on January 15, 2026, in which President Museveni secured another term in office.
Magezi emphasized that the UPDF remains loyal to the President and the decisions made by Ugandan citizens through their electoral process. He described the US senator’s remarks as intimidation and interference in Uganda’s internal matters.
He further termed the comments as reflective of outdated colonial attitudes that Uganda would strongly resist.
“The beneficial relationship between our two countries will not change because of one wayward and loose cannon senator,” Magezi added.
The disagreement comes shortly after Uganda’s general elections held on January 15, 2026, in which President Museveni secured another term in office.
While Ugandan authorities described the election as credible, observers from the US and European Union raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the process.
Senator Risch had previously criticized the elections, describing them as staged to legitimize Museveni’s continued rule.
Senator Risch had previously criticized the elections, describing them as staged to legitimize Museveni’s continued rule.
His latest remarks appear to build on that position, linking concerns about governance and democracy with the recent diplomatic dispute.
Despite the heated rhetoric, both sides have acknowledged the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
Despite the heated rhetoric, both sides have acknowledged the longstanding partnership between the two nations.
Uganda and the United States have cooperated for decades in areas such as regional security, counterterrorism, health initiatives, and education programs.
Uganda has been a key ally in regional peacekeeping missions and counterterrorism efforts, particularly in Somalia under the African Union mission.
Uganda has been a key ally in regional peacekeeping missions and counterterrorism efforts, particularly in Somalia under the African Union mission.
The US, on the other hand, has provided significant support in health programs including HIV/AIDS interventions and military training.