Uganda’s outspoken military chief, Gen.Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has sent shockwaves across the globe after boldly declaring that Uganda would side with Israel in the escalating Middle East conflict if the Jewish state faced defeat.
In a fiery statement posted on X, the son of President Yoweri Museveni made it clear that Kampala is watching events closely—and is ready to act.
“We want the war in the Middle East to end now. The world is tired of it. But any talk of destroying or defeating Israel will bring us into the war — on the side of Israel,” Gen. Muhoozi declared, triggering a storm of reactions online.
His explosive remarks come at a time of rising tensions involving Israel and Iran, following recent military exchanges, including U.S. and Israeli strikes and retaliatory attacks by Tehran.
Muhoozi didn’t stop there.
In a series of follow-up posts, the General warned that any direct missile threat—even one targeting Uganda—would be met with force.
“If Tehran dares hit us with missiles, we shall retaliate with our own missiles,” he warned, before doubling down with a dramatic pledge: “If Israel needs help, it only needs to ask. Their Ugandan brothers are ready to assist.”
The strong pro-Israel stance has drawn praise from sections of Western commentators and Israeli media, with some hailing Muhoozi as a rare African voice willing to openly back Israel at a time when many nations are calling for neutrality.
One commentator, Orla Carlin, sparked further debate with a viral post applauding Uganda’s position.
“Uganda just dropped a truth bomb the entire BRICS crowd is scared of their military chief is 100% right any talk of destroying Israel drags Uganda (and the rest of the free world) straight into the fight on Israel’s side. Tehran, keep playing games and you’ll get missiles from both ends. Proud of Uganda for having the balls to stand with the only democracy in the Middle East and America’s unbreakable alliance. Real leaders don’t hide behind “neutrality” while Iran funds terror. Who else in Africa is finally waking up?” she wrote, adding fuel to the already heated discourse.
Muhoozi also grounded his stance in faith, linking Uganda’s support for Israel to religious conviction.
“We stand with Israel because we are Christians. Saved by the Holy Son of God…Jesus Christ the only One who can forgive sins. The Bible says ‘Blessed are you Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword,’” he posted, quoting scripture (Deuteronomy 33:29), to reinforce his position.
In another move that has raised eyebrows internationally, the General reiterated his recently announced plans to erect a statue in honor of Yonatan Netanyahu, the brother of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Yonatan was killed during the historic Entebbe hostage rescue, a mission that cemented long-standing security ties between Uganda and Israel.
The latest developments highlight Uganda’s deep-rooted relationship with Israel, particularly in military and intelligence cooperation spanning decades. However, Muhoozi’s blunt rhetoric is once again putting Uganda in the global spotlight.
Known for his unfiltered and often controversial posts, Muhoozi has previously stirred diplomatic unease across the region, with his social media activity sometimes clashing with official government positions.
Despite the strong statements, there has been no immediate formal confirmation from the Ugandan government regarding any military involvement in the Middle East conflict.
Meanwhile, the situation between Israel and Iran continues to deteriorate, with increasing reports of missile and drone exchanges and rising casualties across the region.
As the war drums beat louder, Muhoozi’s message is unmistakable: Uganda may be far from the Middle East—but in this conflict, it is not neutral.
And if his words are anything to go by, the country is ready to pick a side.