By Spy Uganda
President Yoweri Museveni said Monday that his outspoken son would stay off Twitter when it comes to affairs of state, after a social media tirade that included a threat to invade neighbouring Kenya.
Museveni reportedly told a local Ugandan television station this week that his son would “leave Twitter” if he doesn’t control how he uses social media.
The powerful general Muhoozi Kainerugaba, 48, has often caused controversy with his comments on Twitter but his particularly undiplomatic outburst earlier this month caused Museveni to step in.
“It wouldn’t take us, my army and me, two weeks to capture Nairobi,” General Kainerugaba tweeted earlier this month.
“Talking about other countries and partisan politics of Uganda is something he should not do and he will not do it,” Museveni added.
The president had apologised to Kenya in early October after General Kainerugaba, among other remarks, suggested taking his troops to capture Nairobi.
He also chided Kenya’s former leader Uhuru Kenyatta for not attempting an unconstitutional third bid at the presidency in the August poll, in what was seen as a slight against the newly elected President William Ruto.
The first son also last week sought forgiveness for his remarks from Ruto, whose swearing-in ceremony was attended by Museveni.
In Monday’s interview, Museveni nevertheless defended his son as a “very good general”, after promoting him to the rank despite stripping him of his role as leader of Uganda’s land forces.
Although General Kainerugaba has repeatedly denied claims he intends to succeed his 78-year-old father – one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders – he has enjoyed a rapid rise through Uganda’s army ranks.
(Tramadol)
