Rwanda rejects ethnic remarks by Ugandan General Muhoozi Kainerugaba

The Rwandan government has formally rejected ethnic remarks made by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The controversy arose from a series of social media posts by Kainerugaba involving a domestic political dispute in Uganda.

Kainerugaba made references to Hutu and Tutsi identities while questioning the ethnic background of Odrek Rwabwogo, a Ugandan businessman and chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development. Kainerugaba also directed personal attacks toward Rwandan President Paul Kagame, describing him as the “most dangerous Tutsi” he had ever met.

Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo condemned the comments as “ethnic extremism.” She emphasized that Rwanda has spent the 32 years since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi working to build national unity and move away from ethnic divisions. Makolo stated that while individuals may hold opinions about Rwanda, they should not distort the image of Rwandans or involve the country in Uganda’s internal affairs.