The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed allegations published by The New York Times against Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, describing them as “disparaging, unfounded and utterly scandalous.”
In a statement issued in Kampala on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, criticised an October 8 article by American journalist Megan K. Stack titled “The Authoritarian Future Is Already Here.”
Col. Magezi accused the publication of repeating what he described as longstanding opposition and activist narratives against the Ugandan Government, arguing that the allegations against Gen. Kainerugaba lacked credible evidence.
“The author of the article regurgitates long-held, twisted opposition and activist narratives against the government in Kampala, and in doing so, levels disparaging, unfounded, and utterly scandalous allegations against the person of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba,” he said.
The UPDF spokesperson also accused some Western media outlets of pursuing a sustained campaign against the army chief, citing previous publications by The Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and The Economist.
He argued that the reports were sensational and reflected what he described as Western media bias regarding Uganda’s political future.
“What is clear, though, is that General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is not their preferred successor of choice to a post-Museveni Uganda,” Col. Magezi said, adding that Uganda’s future leadership would ultimately be determined by Ugandans.
UPDF challenges allegations
One of the central issues in the New York Times article concerns allegations by exiled Ugandan author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, who reportedly recounted alleged mistreatment during detention and claimed that Gen. Kainerugaba was involved.
According to Col. Magezi, the account contains inconsistencies and lacks credibility. He categorically denied that the army chief had ever met Kakwenza.
“To put it clear, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has never met Kakwenza Rukirabashaija in his life,” he said, describing the account as a fabrication.
Col. Magezi further argued that serious allegations of human rights violations should be supported by verifiable evidence rather than accounts he characterised as hearsay or politically motivated claims.
“Serious accusations require serious evidence, not reliance on anecdotal, or politically motivated sources,” he said.
The allegations and the UPDF’s rebuttal could not be independently verified from the statement alone.
UPDF defends army chief
Col. Magezi defended Gen. Kainerugaba’s military record, describing him as a decorated officer with decades of service and achievements.
He said it was unfair to judge the army chief’s career based on social media remarks and media reports that the UPDF considers misleading.
“General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is a decorated military officer with decades of dedicated service and outstanding achievements in his field,” he said.
The UPDF spokesperson also defended Uganda’s constitutional and democratic framework, arguing that media reports should consider the country’s laws and institutions rather than focus on selected online remarks or jokes.
He maintained that allegations of human rights abuses attributed to Gen. Kainerugaba must undergo proper verification and scrutiny.
UPDF reiterates commitment to law
Col. Magezi said the UPDF operates within the law and would continue fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities, including supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order when requested or required.
He added that military personnel who violate the law would be held to high standards of discipline and accountability.
“The UPDF will continue its constitutional obligation to extend support to the civil authorities when requested or required,” he said.
He also pointed to Uganda’s courts as avenues through which allegations can be tested and addressed where evidence is presented.
Warning against external interference
In its concluding remarks, the UPDF warned against what it described as external interference in Uganda’s internal affairs.
Col. Magezi said Uganda’s political future should be determined by its citizens rather than influenced by foreign actors or media narratives.
“Lastly, what will not be tolerated is external interference in the affairs of Uganda,” he said.
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