Ugandan First Son and Commander of the Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has issued a stern warning to Ugandans, cautioning them against adopting what he described as the “Kenyan virus” that he claims has spread to neighbouring Tanzania.
In a statement circulating online, the outspoken general said:
“I see the Kenyan virus has been transmitted to Tanzania. Ugandans should not draw any silly ideas from our neighbours. The security structure here is tight and merciless.”
The comments come amid growing online debate in East Africa following a wave of political tension and activism seen across Kenya and Tanzania in recent weeks. General Muhoozi’s remarks appeared to be directed at Ugandans who have been expressing bold political opinions on social media, inspired by events in the region.
He warned that Uganda’s security forces would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country, emphasizing that peace and stability remain top priorities under the current administration.
General Muhoozi, known for his frequent and sometimes controversial social media statements, has in the past made headlines for his candid views on regional politics and governance. His latest warning has once again ignited discussion across East Africa, with many interpreting his remarks as a strong message to political activists and opposition figures.
Some Ugandans on social media viewed his comments as a reminder of the country’s strict security environment, while others criticized the tone of his statement, saying it portrays intolerance toward political dissent.
Despite the mixed reactions, Uganda’s government has maintained that its stability must not be compromised, warning citizens against engaging in activities that could disrupt public order.
As regional political dynamics continue to shift, analysts note that Muhoozi’s statement underscores the sensitivity of cross-border political influence within the East African Community, where actions in one country often inspire public reactions in another.
