Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly expressed strong support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through both regional and international diplomatic circles, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has utilized his digital platform to declare an unwavering commitment to the State of Israel. Amidst the escalating “Epic Fury” conflict between Israel and Iran, the General’s recent series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) marks a significant departure from traditional non-aligned rhetoric, signaling a potential shift in Uganda’s geopolitical positioning.
A Proclamation of War and Support
The General’s statements were as direct as they were controversial. On March 25 and 26, 2026, Gen. Muhoozi posted that while the world is “tired” of the war in the Middle East and desires its immediate end, Uganda would not remain a bystander if Israel’s survival was at stake.
“Any talk of destroying or defeating Israel will bring us into the war. On the side of Israel!”
This assertion was furthered in a subsequently deleted post where he claimed the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) would participate in the conflict should it persist. Beyond military support, the General emphasized a moral and historical imperative, stating, “Israel has a right to exist and attacks against her must stop.”
The Historical Bedrock: From Entebbe to the Present
To understand the weight of these statements, one must look at the strengthening ties between Kampala and Jerusalem over the last decade. Gen. Muhoozi has been a central figure in this rapprochement. Only last month, he announced plans to erect a statue of Lt.-Col. Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu at Entebbe International Airport—marking the exact spot where the Prime Minister’s brother fell during the legendary 1976 hostage rescue.
By framing the relationship as “blood relations,” the General is leveraging the shared history of counter-terrorism and military cooperation. This is not merely sentiment; in February 2026, the General met with the new Israeli Ambassador, Gideon Behar, characterizing the bilateral relationship as “rock solid” and highlighting ongoing cooperation in security, technology, and agriculture.
Navigating a Fragile Geopolitical Landscape
The General’s comments come at a time when Iran has been actively courting African nations, including Uganda. In early March, Iran’s Ambassador to Uganda, Majid Saffar, urged Uganda—in its capacity as the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)—to condemn the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian soil.
Uganda currently finds itself in a complex diplomatic squeeze:
- The NAM Chairmanship: Traditionally, the Non-Aligned Movement advocates for neutrality and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Openly siding with a combatant like Israel complicates Uganda’s role as a mediator for the Global South.
- Economic Vulnerability: Uganda is heavily dependent on fuel and fertilizer imports that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s blockade of this waterway has already caused “energy chaos” across East Africa.
- The U.S. Factor: While Muhoozi’s stance aligns with U.S. interests regarding Israel, his relationship with Washington remains strained following recent diplomatic “red lines” crossed regarding domestic political issues.
Domestic and Regional Debate
Within Uganda, the General’s “digital diplomacy” has sparked a fierce debate. Proponents argue that a strong alliance with Israel secures advanced military technology and intelligence-sharing vital for regional stability. Critics, however, worry about the implications of “personal diplomacy” conducted via social media, questioning if these statements represent the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the presidency.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained a more cautious tone, recently issuing security advisories for Ugandans to leave Iran but refraining from the combat-ready rhetoric used by the CDF. This suggests a “good cop, bad cop” dynamic within the Ugandan leadership or a growing divide in how foreign policy is communicated.
The “Black Man’s” Perspective on Global Conflict
In one of his more provocative remarks, Gen. Muhoozi reflected on global military strategy, claiming, “We could have captured Tehran in 72 hours without any bombing… but of course they never listen to a black man.” This blend of pan-African assertiveness and pro-Israel sentiment creates a unique ideological profile that challenges Western and Eastern expectations of African leadership.
A New Era of Ugandan Foreign Policy
Whether Gen. Muhoozi’s statements lead to actual boots on the ground or remain a powerful exercise in signaling, the message is clear: Uganda’s military leadership views Israel as an indispensable ally. As the conflict in the Middle East rages on, the “Silent Silence” usually expected from African capitals has been replaced by a roar from Kampala.
The world now watches to see if President Yoweri Museveni will formally codify these sentiments into state policy or if the General’s words were intended primarily to fortify a “rock solid” friendship in a time of global uncertainty.
