Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed allegations of human rights abuses against Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi criticised an October 8 article by The New York Times, titled “The Authoritarian Future Is Already Here,” written by Megan K. Stack.Read here.
Magezi disputed claims by exiled Ugandan writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija that Muhoozi visited him during detention, ordered him to undress and later offered him a bribe. He maintained that the two had never met and dismissed the allegations as fabricated.
The UPDF also accused foreign media outlets of selectively targeting Muhoozi because of his military and political profile, arguing that Uganda’s political future should be determined by its electorate.
Stack’s article examines Uganda’s political climate, including allegations of human rights abuses, surveillance technology and the suppression of opposition figures, including National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and Dr Kizza Besigye.
The UPDF, however, reaffirmed its commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law and accountability within the military, insisting that allegations against its leadership should not be based on unverified accounts.
