The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has warned against foreign interference in Uganda’s internal affairs after criticising a New York Times article about Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
In a statement issued on October 10, 2026, acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi responded to an article by Megan K. Stack titled “The Authoritarian Future Is Already Here,” published by The New York Times on October 8.
Magezi accused Western media outlets of portraying Muhoozi negatively while favouring Bobi Wine as a potential successor to President Yoweri Museveni. He insisted that Ugandans, rather than foreign media, should determine the country’s political future.
The UPDF spokesperson also dismissed allegations attributed to exiled Ugandan writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, who reportedly accused Muhoozi of mistreating him during detention and later offering him money to remain silent.
Magezi denied that Muhoozi had ever met Kakwenza.The army further defended Muhoozi’s military record, arguing that media reports had focused excessively on his social media statements while overlooking his service.
Magezi concluded with a warning against foreign involvement in Uganda’s political affairs, declaring: “Lastly, what will not be tolerated is external interference in the affairs of Uganda.
”The UPDF’s statement represents the army’s response to the newspaper’s reporting, while the disputed allegations remain matters of contention.
