The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has warned against what it described as external interference in Uganda’s affairs following a New York Times article critical of Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The army also accused Western media outlets of favouring opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, as a potential successor to President Yoweri Museveni.

In a statement issued on October 10, 2026, acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi responded to an article by Megan K. Stack titled “The Authoritarian Future Is Already Here,” published by The New York Times on October 8, 2026.

Magezi dismissed allegations made against Gen Muhoozi in the report, accusing the writer of relying on accounts from opposition figures and activists. He also cited previous reports by The Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and The Economist, which he said reflected a pattern of negative coverage targeting the UPDF chief.

“What is clear though is that General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is not their preferred successor of choice to a post-Museveni Uganda,” Magezi said. He added that Western media would rather see Bobi Wine or other people with similar political views lead the country, insisting that Ugandans would determine their own political future.

The UPDF statement also rejected allegations attributed to exiled Ugandan writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija. In the New York Times article, Kakwenza reportedly alleged that Muhoozi visited him during detention, subjected him to humiliating treatment and later offered him money to remain silent about alleged abuse.

Kakwenza’s account also included claims of beatings that allegedly injured his ankles and kidneys and left scars on his back. Magezi rejected the allegations and insisted that Gen Muhoozi had never met Kakwenza, while questioning aspects of the account. The competing claims have not been independently resolved by the information provided.

The army further defended Muhoozi’s military record, arguing that reports focusing on his social media statements had overlooked his service and achievements. Magezi maintained that serious accusations should be supported by credible evidence rather than anecdotal or politically motivated accounts.

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Magezi concluded by warning against foreign involvement in Uganda’s internal affairs. “Lastly, what will not be tolerated is external interference in the affairs of Uganda,” he said. The statement reflects the UPDF’s position on the article and its allegations, rather than an independent determination of the claims made by either side.