Uganda army chief threatens to expel U.S. Ambassador

The chief of Uganda’s army is threatening to expel the highest U.S. diplomat assigned to the Central African nation after a diplomatic spat.

Normal Muhoozi Kainerugaba has given U.S. Ambassador William Popp an ultimatum – apologize by Monday morning or depart the nation, according to reports.

The army chief has not stated precisely what offense Ambassador Popp dedicated and embassy sources tell local outlets that this outburst has caught them completely abruptly.

Normal Kainerugaba – the son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni – made the demand earlier this week on X and adopted up with a barrage of tweets that doubled down on accusations that Popp was “undermining” the Ugandan authorities, although none of Popp’s actions have been described.

“Fellow Ugandans,” the Normal wrote in since deleted tweets according to The East African. “It’s my solemn responsibility to announce to you all that we as a nation are about to have a severe confrontation with the present US Ambassador to our nation. For disrespecting our beloved and celebrated President and undermining Uganda’s Structure.”

Kainerugaba went on, “If the present US Ambassador doesn’t apologise to Mzee [sic] personally by Monday morning (9:00 am) for his undiplomatic behaviour in our nation, we’ll demand he leaves Uganda.”

The Presidential-scion added that he has “no drawback with the USA”, however added “currently, we have now lots of proof that they’ve been working in opposition to the NRM authorities.”

It’s unclear what sort of exercise is being alleged in opposition to Ambassador Popp or whether or not the 2 males had a dispute of a private nature.

An embassy supply advised The East African they have been caught unawares and have been “attempting to anaylse the scenario.”

“Our almost $1 billion helps native establishments and organizations day by day to enhance the well being schooling, and prosperity of thousands and thousands of Ugandans,” a press release from the Embassy given to that outlet read. “The embassy, the Ambassador, and the US authorities proceed to work instantly and usually day by day with Ugandan authorities on a full vary of points.”

Sewayana Livingstone, director of the NGO Basis for Human Rights Initiative Uganda stated Kainerugaba wants to remain in his lane.

“He must relax,” Livingstone advised VOA Information, “He wants to grasp that Uganda i snot him, neither is he Uganda. I believe Ugandans have to name him to order. It’s excessive time.”

Although the four-star Normal apparently deleted some the controversial X posts, however he has additionally continued to repost information articles detailing the present dispute.

Kainerugaba has a really energetic social media presence. He boasts over 10,000 posts and almost one-million followers on X.

At residence, Kainerugaba has faced criticism for this over–energetic web presence – however has defended himself on X writing, “If I’m not commenting on socio-political and financial points, I’m not doing my job,” including, “it’s completely skilled for me to publish on a regular basis.”

The U.S. Embassy in Uganda didn’t reply to a request for remark on the time of publication and have made no public statements concerning the spat on any social platform.