Tensions within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) escalated on Friday evening after Chief of Defence Forces and Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) chairman Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba issued a stern ultimatum demanding a public apology from Minister of Water and Environment Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire.
Writing in a series of social media posts, Gen Muhoozi lashed out at the veteran bush-war commander following statements Otafiire made in Parliament and during a public lecture at Valley University of Science and Technology in Bushenyi. Muhoozi warned that if Otafiire did not apologize within three days, security forces would arrest him, labeling the elder politician a “nuisance” who ought to be sent to an old people’s home.
The confrontation comes on the heels of Otafiire’s public address to students and staff at Valley University, where he fielded questions from participants David Ninsiima and Mwebembezi Franklin regarding his leadership track record and his stance on the PLU.
Responding to queries about his allegiance, Gen Otafiire distanced himself from the pressure group, insisting he cannot answer for an organization he does not belong to.
“How do you expect a Catholic priest to preach in a mosque? If you want to understand Sharia, don’t ask Archbishop Odama of Gulu. Go to the mosque,” Otafiire remarked. “My dear brother, go to Patriotic League of Uganda and look at their performance… I don’t want to speak on their behalf, so I don’t have to tell lies on their behalf.”
Recalling his history in the National Resistance Army liberation struggle, the outspoken cabinet minister declared that he remains unbothered by political risks, choosing conviction over submission.
“Initially I told you, I fought Idi Amin-was I safe? I fought Milton Obote. I was in Luweero for five years, did I know I’d be here? I would rather die on my feet fighting than live on my knees begging,” Otafiire stated.
He further challenged the youth to demand integrity and substance from national leaders rather than settling for political posturing, arguing that true leadership is defined by how one conducts themselves in society.
“Are you a thief? Are you a liar? Are you a rapist? It’s how you have conducted yourself in society that determines your quality of leadership,” Otafiire told the university audience.
Drawing an analogy on social equity and public policy, Otafiire used road usage to illustrate how government ought to manage national resources fairly.
“He’s driving a VW, me I’m driving a V8… genuine. But then, there should be equality for the rules of the road. Make the road for the ones with cars a lane, a bicycle lane for those who have motorcycles, and then a footpath for the rest of us who don’t have these. That’s what we mean by harmony in society,” he urged.
Otafiire’s comments in Bushenyi followed his maiden parliamentary address as Minister of Water and Environment, where he called for political tolerance and warned against suppressing opposition figures. He cautioned NRM MPs against viewing adversaries as enemies, describing the opposition as “our mirror reflection.”
While NRM spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo on Wednesday welcomed Otafiire’s calls for dialogue, he refuted claims that the party endorses political abductions, placing responsibility on individual actors. Meanwhile, opposition figures like Kira Municipality MP George Musisi commended Otafiire’s rare candor amidst ongoing debate over the alleged disappearance of opposition activists like Sam Mugumya.