General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defense Forces, spent Monday night actively tweeting, continuing into the early hours of Tuesday without pause.
While claiming to be in the jungles of Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province in eastern DR Congo, Muhoozi focused his attention on Robert Kyagulanyi, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), and his supporters.
He called on security forces to intensify their crackdown on NUP members, warning that officers who failed to use force would be dismissed.
“Police officers who do not beat up NUP will be sent home,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that his directive applied to all ranks.
Muhoozi praised the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JAT) for its harsh measures against NUP supporters but insisted they were not being tough enough. “JAT is doing a great job! But they are not beating criminals enough. Anyone found in a red uniform should learn to fear JAT,” he wrote.
His remarks came shortly after security forces violently attacked NUP supporters during the Kawempe North by-election, drawing widespread criticism. Journalists and opposition members were also targeted in what many saw as state-sponsored repression.
Taking his threats further, Muhoozi set a July 7 deadline for young NUP supporters to surrender to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), his militia-like movement, or face severe consequences.
“I am giving up to July 7 for all young boys and young men in NUP to surrender to PLU. Report to either Minister Balaam [Barugahara] or Hon [David] Kabanda. We shall welcome you and rehabilitate you. That is your amnesty from us,” he declared.
He warned that after the deadline, NUP would be labeled a rebellion, and security forces would have orders to use lethal force against anyone in NUP attire.
Additionally, Muhoozi mocked former military chiefs, calling them “very weak” leaders who had betrayed the army. “In the past, we had very weak CDFs!! They betrayed our glorious military! That is not me! I will beat NUP into a pulp if they touch a single—that is, one—NRM supporter,” he posted.
Despite his threats, Muhoozi made light of the situation, joking about wanting to visit Europe and claiming women there were “about to protest” due to his absence.
He has previously insisted that his tweets are meant for humor and should not be taken seriously. However, critics argue that his statements, often followed by real security crackdowns, suggest otherwise.
