The United States (U.S.) has responded to the statements made by Uganda’s Chief of the Defense Forces (CDF) Muhoozi Kainerugaba regarding U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William Popp.
Speaking on October 4, Muhoozi gave William Popp until October 7, 9 a.m., to apologize to his father, President Yoweri Museveni, or leave the country.
The U.S. Mission in Uganda has clarified that Popp has not apologized as demanded by Muhoozi since he had not received any request to apologize.
“This narrative is completely false. Neither the U.S. Embassy nor Popp has received any formal request to apologize from the Ugandan government on any matter, nor has he apologized,” the U.S. Embassy stated.
The Embassy emphasized that all official statements are posted on its platforms: https://ug.usembassy.gov, https://x.com/usmissionuganda, https://facebook.com/U.S.EmbassyKampala, and https://instagram.com/usmissionuganda.
Gen. Muhoozi Directs Popp to Apologize
Muhoozi directed the ambassador to apologize for his remarks about democracy during an event held at Makerere University.
“If this current U.S. Ambassador does not apologize to Mzee personally by Monday morning (9:00 a.m.) for his undiplomatic behavior in our country, we will demand he leaves Uganda,” Muhoozi said.
However, the CDF stated that Uganda has no diplomatic problem with the United States but accused Popp of working against Museveni’s government.
“We have no problem with the U.S., as I have said many times; it is a country we love and admire. But lately, we have a lot of evidence that they have been working against the NRM government.”
Muhoozi informed the nation about his intention to confront the ambassador over what he described as disrespect to his father and undermining Uganda’s constitution.
“Fellow Ugandans, it is my solemn duty to announce to you all that we as a nation are about to have a serious confrontation with the current U.S. Ambassador to our country for disrespecting our beloved and celebrated president and for undermining the constitution of Uganda,” he said.
Muhoozi explained that the disrespect is not only for him but for President Museveni, the government, and the people of Uganda as well.
“This is not a personal issue between me and the current U.S. Ambassador: this is a national issue, and you’ll see that no foreign country will ever dominate Uganda again!” he remarked.
Also Read: Muhoozi Speaks on Plan to Succeed His Father Museveni in 2026 General Election
William Popp Remarks
Popp was appointed U.S. ambassador to Uganda in September 2023, replacing Natalie Brown.
He gave an interview to Ugandan media on September 30, 2024, where he addressed several topics, including corruption and democratic processes in Uganda.
Popp said the U.S. advocates for adherence to the Ugandan constitution to ensure that citizens have the freedom to choose their leaders and participate in the law-making process.
Also Read: Nyeri School Charging Ksh137 K General Muhoozi Attended in His Childhood
He explained that their involvement is crucial for a functioning democracy.
“Democracy is founded on the principle that citizens hold the ultimate authority, and everyone in society should have an equal voice. Chapter 1, Article 1 of Uganda’s Constitution reinforces this idea: ‘All authority in the State emanates from the people… and the people shall be governed through their will and consent.’ In a true democracy, individuals elect their leaders and can replace them through free and fair elections,” Popp emphasized.
His comments might not have sat well with Muhoozi.
Uganda-U. S Relationship
The relationship between the U.S. and Uganda has been in the headlines since 2023.
In October 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden revealed plans to expel Uganda, Gabon, Niger, and the Central African Republic.
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