Former Cabinet minister Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere has criticized Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba over his recent comments on alcohol consumption and nightlife, warning that leaders must consider the impact of their messages on society.

Kabwegyere made the remarks while appearing on BFM Radio in Bushenyi, where he questioned the direction of leadership messages being promoted by individuals seeking political influence in Uganda.

The veteran politician argued that Uganda already faces challenges related to alcohol consumption and expressed concern about public figures encouraging lifestyles that could worsen the problem.

“Uganda today has the highest alcohol consumption per capita in the whole of Africa and we are fifth in the world. Now here comes a person who wants to be president and he is encouraging people to drink more. Where are you leading the people? Where are you taking the nation?” Kabwegyere said.

The former minister was responding to comments made by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), regarding the freedom of Ugandans to enjoy nightlife activities.

Kainerugaba had stated that bar and nightclub owners should determine their operating hours, saying that what mattered was ensuring that entertainment activities remained peaceful and free from violence.

On August 31, 2026, Kainerugaba wrote on X that opening and closing hours for bars and clubs should be decided by proprietors, adding that Ugandans were entitled to enjoy themselves.

He later made another statement saying that Ugandans could dance and drink until morning and that women should be free to dress as they wished.

The comments sparked debate among political leaders, social commentators and members of the public, with some supporting the message as a defence of personal freedom while others expressing concern about possible social consequences.

Kabwegyere described the statements as inappropriate, especially coming from someone considered a potential future presidential contender.

He argued that leaders must balance individual freedoms with the responsibility of protecting public health and guiding society toward positive behaviours.

The former minister also questioned the message being sent to young people, saying that national leaders should promote responsible lifestyles.

Kabwegyere’s remarks attracted a response from the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), which defended Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and criticized the former minister’s comments.

Daudi Kabanda, the head of the PLU Chairman’s Office, accused Kabwegyere of having political motives behind his criticism.

Kabanda linked Kabwegyere’s remarks to his association with Odrek Rwabwogo, President Yoweri Museveni’s son-in-law, who has recently been involved in political exchanges involving PLU figures.

“Prof. Kabwegyere is a known ally of Rwabwogo, everyone knows that. His statements today on BFM Bushenyi against PLU do not surprise us,” Kabanda said.

The PLU official also questioned Kabwegyere’s political record, asking what achievements could be attributed to him in Bushenyi after many years of public service.

Kabwegyere, who is one of Uganda’s long-serving politicians and academics, has held several government positions throughout his career.

He served as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources after the fall of Idi Amin’s government in 1979 and later served as State Minister for Foreign Affairs and director of external relations at the National Resistance Movement secretariat.

He also represented Igara County West in Parliament between 1996 and 2011 and served as Minister for Disaster Preparedness before leaving Cabinet in 2011.

The debate over alcohol consumption comes amid wider discussions about Uganda’s nightlife regulations and the balance between business freedom, entertainment and public safety.

Kabwegyere’s concerns are based on Uganda’s history of high alcohol consumption, although specific global rankings mentioned in his statement have not been independently verified.

Previous World Health Organisation data has identified Uganda as one of the countries in Africa with high alcohol consumption levels, with harmful drinking linked to health, social and economic challenges.

The ongoing debate has placed attention on the responsibility of political leaders when making public statements, particularly on issues that affect public behaviour and national values.

As political discussions continue, both supporters and critics of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba are expected to continue debating the meaning and impact of his remarks on alcohol, entertainment and individual freedoms.

The exchange between Kabwegyere and PLU highlights the growing political conversations around leadership, social policies and the role of public figures in shaping national discussions.