Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has invoked the words of Jesus Christ in a message about Uganda’s fight against corruption, drawing attention to the role of faith and divine authority in confronting wrongdoing. In a post shared on X, Muhoozi used a biblical reference to explain his position on the campaign against corruption, an issue that continues to attract public attention across the country.

In his message, the army chief began by referring to the fight against corruption as a cause supported by Ugandans. He then compared the struggle to the biblical account in which Jesus responded to accusations that he was casting out demons through the power of an evil force rather than through God.

Muhoozi wrote: “In the fight against corruption that all Ugandans support, we say like Jesus Christ, ‘Your sons and I cast out demons by the power of Almighty God. Therefore, they will be your judges. But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, behold the Kingdom of God has come upon you.’”

The quotation draws from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 11, where Jesus responds to criticism surrounding his casting out of demons. In the biblical passage, Jesus argues that the defeat of evil through God’s power signals the arrival of the Kingdom of God. Muhoozi used the passage to frame his remarks on the fight against corruption.

His choice of biblical language has added a religious dimension to his public comments on corruption. By drawing a parallel between the biblical confrontation with evil and the struggle against wrongdoing, he presented corruption as a challenge that requires determination and authority to confront.

The post also comes at a time when corruption remains a major subject of public debate in Uganda, with citizens frequently raising concerns about misuse of public resources, accountability and the delivery of government services. However, Muhoozi did not name any individuals or institutions in the message, nor did he outline specific actions in the post.

His remarks are likely to attract discussion because of his position as Chief of Defence Forces and his public involvement in national affairs beyond military matters. The statement, however, does not by itself establish any new anti-corruption measures or investigations.

By invoking Jesus Christ’s words, Muhoozi has used a familiar biblical passage to communicate his message about corruption. His post places the fight against the vice in the language of a struggle between good and evil, while leaving questions about the specific measures needed to strengthen accountability and address corruption in Uganda.