Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, recently expressed fatigue over the conflict with South Sudan’s Nuer tribe, suggesting that they should surrender or face continued violence. He controversially offered to halt attacks in exchange for 1,000 cows. His provocative social media presence has previously resulted in diplomatic strains with neighboring countries, and there are concerns about the implications for regional security.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defense Forces of Uganda and son of President Museveni, recently expressed his fatigue with the ongoing conflict against the Nuer community in South Sudan. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to state that the Nuer should surrender to avoid further hostilities, even suggesting that he would cease attacking them if gifted 1,000 cows.
“I am tired of killing Nuer. Tell your leader Riek Machar to come and kneel down before ‘our’ President H.E. Salva Kiir,” Kainerugaba stated, advocating for an end to the violence to prevent further loss of life. On March 11, he also clarified the purpose of Ugandan troops in South Sudan: to protect President Kiir and ensure the security of Juba, while asserting that Uganda acknowledges only Kiir as the legitimate president.
Known for provocative social media posts, Kainerugaba has previously stirred diplomatic tensions, such as his December warning to white mercenaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He threatened military action against them starting January 2025, which prompted the DRC government to call for clarification from the Ugandan embassy.
Similarly, Sudan demanded an apology from Uganda following Kainerugaba’s inflammatory comments about seizing Khartoum after Donald Trump’s inauguration. The Sudanese foreign ministry condemned his remarks as reckless and detrimental to regional stability, citing a lack of respect for international law and diplomatic norms.
Kainerugaba has a history of controversial statements, including threats to invade Kenya, which led his father to apologize publicly. His role in South Sudan dates back to the UPDF’s intervention following the civil war in December 2013, initially intended to secure Juba Internatioal Airport but quickly expanding to military engagements against rebel forces. There were allegations of UPDF violations, including the use of cluster bombs against rebels during this period.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s recent comments reflect a complex and escalating situation between Uganda and the Nuer community in South Sudan. His aggressive posts on social media have previously led to diplomatic fallout, raising concerns about the implications for regional security. The Ugandan army chief’s history of controversial statements underscores the need for careful diplomacy and adherence to international norms to preserve peace in the region.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
