Museveni Awards His Son With Military Medal Despite Social Media Outbursts
On Friday, February 6, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni presented his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, with a military medal in appreciation of his leadership in regional stabilization and anti-terror efforts.
During Kabale District’s 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations, which commemorate the anniversary of the National Resistance Army’s 1981 bush war launch, the prize was given out.
Kainerugaba’s leadership in operations against the Al-Shabaab insurgency and his involvement in missions throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia earned him the award.
He “executed specialized operations with diligence and professionalism,” managing combat effectiveness and force readiness in challenging conditions, according to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
WATCH: President Museveni awards Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba a medal for leading anti–Al-Shabaab operations and commanding missions in DR Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia.#UBCUpdates pic.twitter.com/R4TPdza2gS
— UBC UGANDA (@ubctvuganda) February 6, 2026
“He previously commanded operations against Al-Shabaab up to 2022 and directly executed strategic missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of South Sudan, and Somalia, all aimed at eliminating terrorism and creating a stable region,” the UPDF said in a statement.
The award comes at a critical time, as tensions between Uganda and the United States rise over the recently held elections and financing for Ugandan troops stationed in Somalia.
Muhoozi has publicly stated that Uganda may withdraw its military from Somalia unless Washington handles the situation promptly.
On February 4, the army chief asked for significant financial backing for the mission, estimating that Ksh129 billion (USD 1 billion) would be necessary annually.
He cautioned that failing to acquire finance could result in Ugandan troops withdrawing before the end of the year.
“Unless we have serious discussions about financing for our mission in Somalia, we shall withdraw by the end of this year,” Muhoozi said.
My name is not 'Commander @mkainerugaba'. My name is General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. What 'Red line' have I crossed according to you? You can re-evaluate whatever you want as far as our co-operation is concerned but you will never DEMEAN and DEGRADE us. You will never make us your… https://t.co/ZbnSJgAqKG
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) February 3, 2026
U.S. Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been particularly harsh.
He dismissed Muhoozi’s previous public apologies to Washington, calling them insincere and insufficient.
In a statement on January 30, Risch called on the U.S. administration to reassess security cooperation with Kampala, including military partnerships with the UPDF.
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The senator warned that Washington would not tolerate recklessness and instability, particularly where American personnel, interests, and civilian lives in the region were at risk.
He also urged consideration of punitive measures against Uganda if tensions persisted.
Earlier, Muhoozi had apologised to the United States following calls for sanctions over alleged human rights abuses linked to the disputed elections.
The military man acknowledged that he had been misinformed and that his remarks had attracted international condemnation.
Museveni Awards His Son With Military Medal Despite Social Media Outbursts
