Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba: A Call for Change in Haiti’s Security Mission
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On July 1, 2025, images of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, flooded social media. Although photographs often capture the visage of authority—a silent strength emanating from his posture—words are his true instrument of influence. Recently, he wielded that weapon with particular fervor, taking aim at Kenya’s involvement in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti.
In a series of provocative tweets on his official X account, General Muhoozi unleashed a critique of Kenya’s police forces, asserting that the Ugandan military’s capabilities could overshadow those of its eastern neighbor. “It would take us one month to capture Port-au-Prince,” he proclaimed, stirring a pot of speculation and debate. But what drives such bold assertions?
Consider this: Haiti, with its complex socio-economic challenges and rampant gang violence, has been a turbulent focal point for international peacekeeping endeavors. To fathom the scale of the issue, one must understand the desperation felt by the Haitian populace. “We are not just talking about restoring order; we are talking about lives—human lives,” Kainerugaba continued, his words echoing the deep-rooted urgency of the situation.
The General emphasized the readiness of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to come to the aid of their Kenyan counterparts, who, according to him, have been struggling in their mission. His comments come at a time when, after nearly two years of deployment, the Kenyan contingent has made commendable efforts, yet challenges persist. “The Kenyans have failed…that’s what we expected,” he alleged, proposing instead that the United Nations might reconsider their strategy and engage Uganda for a more favorable partnership. “The UN is welcome to offer us favorable terms,” he confidently asserted, making an implicit call for a shift in responsibility.
This call to action coincides with a crucial moment; the MSS mission, which has been lauded for recent successes—like reclaiming vital facilities such as hospitals, schools, and the main airport in Port-au-Prince—also faces constraints. Just days prior, UN Secretary-General António Guterres had warned of the mission’s dwindling impact, pinpointing inadequate resources as a potential barrier to long-term efficacy. His cautionary stance added another layer to the ongoing discourse about international intervention: How do we balance strategic effectiveness with humanitarian needs?
The juxtaposition of Kainerugaba’s audacity against Guterres’s caution illuminates a compelling conversation around leadership styles in crisis management. While Guterres calls for unity and reflection, Kainerugaba injects a vigorous challenge to existing frameworks, one that demands attention: Can we afford to stick to a failing strategy? Are the lives hanging in the balance worth risking for diplomatic niceties?
Just ten days before the mission’s one-year anniversary, the criticism has escalated the stakes. Reports from the anniversary celebration highlighted successful reclamations from gang control, yet the shadows of doubt loom large. Both local citizens and international observers may wonder—are these gains sustainable? Or are they merely fleeting victories in a larger, ongoing battle?
General Muhoozi, who also happens to be President Yoweri Museveni’s son, has a history of stirring controversy with his statements. In 2022, he controversially claimed that the UPDF would capture Nairobi in just two weeks, a proclamation that led to diplomatic tensions, warranting an official apology from President Museveni to Kenya. The implications of such statements are profound, blurring the lines between military readiness and regional diplomacy.
While some may view these public declarations as mere bravado, one can’t help but wonder: what personal stakes could be influencing his fervent rhetoric? Is this merely a reflection of national pride, or does it speak to deeper ambitions for Uganda’s role in regional security affairs?
The nuanced dynamics between countries like Uganda and Kenya offer a fertile ground for further exploration. This rivalry, punctuated by a desire for dominance, raises yet another question: in the quest for regional stability, could a united front be more beneficial than one driven by competition?
Today, as the dust settles around these recent developments, it becomes clear that the conversation surrounding international military missions is far from black and white. The complexities of restoring peace in Haiti reveal a multitude of layers—political ambitions, humanitarian needs, and the responsibility of nations to come together for a common cause.
Ultimately, the road ahead demands not just strong leadership from figures like General Muhoozi but also a collaborative spirit among involved nations. Achieving genuine peace in Haiti requires synergy, empathy, and, most importantly, a commitment to the well-being of those affected by violence. How we move forward could define a new chapter in collective security missions for years to come.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces (UPDF) and SPA/SO, July 1, 2025. Photo Gen Muhoozi
