KAMPALA (KAAB TV) – Uganda’s First Son and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has stirred controversy with a bold accusation against the United States, claiming Washington is secretly engaging in negotiations with the Somali militant group Al-Shabaab.
In a statement posted on social media, General Muhoozi questioned the rationale behind Uganda’s continued military involvement in Somalia—now entering its 18th year—if the United States, a key ally in the fight against terrorism, is allegedly in covert discussions with the same extremist group. Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated organization, has long posed a significant threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa.
“Why are we still fighting in Somalia if our American friends are having secret talks with Al-Shabaab?” Gen. Muhoozi posted. “Many brave Ugandan soldiers have sacrificed their lives for the stability of Somalia. It would be betrayal if our partners are engaging with the very group we are fighting.”
Notably, the general did not provide any evidence to support his allegations, nor did he clarify the source of his information. His remarks, however, have generated debate within regional and international security circles, given Uganda’s pivotal role in the African Union’s military efforts in Somalia.
Since 2007, Uganda has contributed the largest contingent of troops to what was formerly known as the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and now operates under the rebranded African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Ugandan forces have been instrumental in protecting key Somali government institutions and pushing back against Al-Shabaab insurgents.
The U.S. has also played a prominent role in counterterrorism operations in Somalia, frequently conducting drone strikes targeting senior Al-Shabaab commanders and fighters. In addition, American forces are actively engaged in targeting Islamic State (ISIS) militants entrenched in the rugged terrain of the Bari region, particularly around the Calmikaad mountains.
Despite the ongoing military efforts, the African-led mission in Somalia faces mounting financial challenges. Recent reports indicate that Western backers, including the European Union and the United States, have scaled back funding for ATMIS, raising fears about the sustainability of the mission. A lack of resources could significantly undermine the progress made over the past decade and a half.
As of now, neither the U.S. government nor representatives of Al-Shabaab have issued any official response to General Muhoozi’s claims.
His statement comes at a critical time as regional dynamics shift and questions arise about the long-term strategy for stabilizing Somalia and the Horn of Africa at large.