The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has backed Mathias Mpuuga’s split from the National Unity Platform (NUP), praising the political astuteness of the former Leader of the Opposition as “presidential material” and an “impressive politician”.
But he had no kind words for NUP principal Robert Kyagulanyi in his controversial punchlines delivered via X (formerly Twitter), calling Bobi Wine a less appealing Bob Marley wannabe.
His tweet, which has since gone viral, adds fuel to tensions between Mpuuga and Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, who fell out over a controversial service award.
This gentleman is presidential material. He is an impressive politician,” Gen Muhoozi posted
Drawing a sharp contrast between Mpuuga and his erstwhile political leader in the opposition, Muhoozi said “Kabobi is an imbecile and halfwit who will be utterly demolished in the next elections”.
Bobi Wine was President Museveni’s nearest challenger in the 2021 election and he largely remains the only political force capable of giving the 80-year-old incumbent a run for his decades in power come 2026 elections.
“Kabobi tries to pretend that he is Bob Marley’s successor. First of all, Bob Marley sang legendary music! Bob Marley was a handsome Munyankore whose teeth were organized! Kabobi’s teeth are very disorganised!”
Muhoozi’s blunt words targeting Bobi Wine, whom he referred to as “Kabobi,” were met with mixed reactions. Many supporters of the general lauded the tweet, while critics accused him of diverting attention away from more pressing national issues.
Among those expressing their support for Muhoozi was Balaam Barugahara, the Minister for Youth and Children and an ardent supporter of the general.
“With you, the people’s most loved commander in command. He better not participate in upcoming elections,” Barugahara remarked, further fueling speculation about Muhoozi’s future political plans.
Mpuuga, meanwhile, has been facing increasing pressure from within the National Unity Platform, especially following his decision to voice concerns over the management of the party and a controversial service award he received.
Last week, he unveiled a new political pressure group, the Democratic Alliance, which he hopes to build into a fully fledged political organisation .
Speaking to the media last evening, Mpuuga hinted at his readiness to work with any political party, including the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), in order to steer the country away from the current political and economic turmoil under President Museveni.
The timing of Muhoozi’s praise for Mpuuga is likely to further complicate the already tense political landscape in Uganda ahead of the presidential elections.
