In remarks issued on Monday, the senator said such threats against opposition figures cross a red line and weaken democratic processes. He warned that the conduct could damage Uganda’s internal stability and called for a reassessment of security cooperation between Washington and Kampala. For years, that partnership has covered military training, intelligence collaboration and counterterrorism operations in the Horn of Africa.
The development comes as Uganda faces renewed international attention over human rights concerns, election-related violence and the treatment of opposition supporters. Bobi Wine has accused security agencies of harassment, arbitrary arrests and brutality targeting his allies during and after the polls. Similar concerns have been raised by international observers and rights groups monitoring the electoral process.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also President Yoweri Museveni’s son, has previously sparked controversy through provocative social media posts that unsettled diplomatic ties, including with European states. Ugandan authorities have often played down these statements as personal expressions, but lawmakers in Washington appear less willing to draw a distinction between individual remarks and official responsibility.
Kampala has not yet issued a formal response to the proposed sanctions. Analysts, however, caution that punitive measures against the country’s top military commander would represent a major shift in relations. Possible consequences include reduced military assistance, strained diplomatic engagement and a reassessment of Uganda’s standing as a regional security ally.
As discussions continue in Washington, the episode reflects growing frustration with what critics describe as Uganda’s narrowing political space, a signal that could influence relations well beyond the country’s borders.
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