General Muhoozi's poll to decide Besigye's fate elicits reactions

Uganda Chief of Defense Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has sparked concern among netizens with his latest post suggesting that the fate of opposition leader Kizza Besigye be decided by a public vote.

Muhoozi, the son of President Yoweri Museveni and a senior military officer, posted a poll asking Ugandans to decide whether Besigye should be forgiven or face extreme punishment.

Let Ugandans decide Besigye's fate. Those who want us to forgive him retweet. Those who want him hanged like.

— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) February 15, 2025

The post has reignited concerns over the role of the military in Uganda’s political landscape.

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Kamya Samuel, an X user, wrote: "The child who grows up to disrespect those senior to him in age and have actually benefited him, indirectly, will grow up to have the same done to him. I just pray this circus never lands us in trouble as a nation."

Another user, echoing Samuel's sentiments, urged Muhoozi to forgive Besigye as Christ did.

"To err is human. And forgiveness is paramount. You always refer to Jesus Christ. He forgave those who hanged Him. Kindly follow in His footsteps if indeed you are going to be a leader with a difference," opined Andrea Kirungi.

However, others, like Dr. Balaam Barugahara, Uganda's Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, wrote: "May the Lord bless you."

The post, which has garnered over 4,000 retweets and at least 3,000 likes by Tuesday continues to stir emotions not just among Ugandans but also among Kenyans on X.

This is not the first time the General has made provocative statements on social media, often blurring the line between military discipline and political activism.

Last year, he remarked that he could bomb Nairobi if he wanted, a statement that sparked backlash.

His latest post about Besigye comes at a time when Uganda’s government remains under intense scrutiny.

Besigye, a longtime critic of the Museveni regime, has faced arrests, intimidation, and restrictions on his political activities. He has been detained for months now, with growing calls for his release.

Nearly 90 days after his alleged abduction in Kenya, pressure has been mounting on the Ugandan government, with both Kenyans and Ugandans taking to X under the hashtag #FreeKizzaBesigye, demanding his immediate release amid concerns over his health and prolonged detention.

Prominent political activists, medics, and ordinary citizens have joined the online movement, condemning what they describe as an unlawful abduction and detention.