A social media storm has erupted following controversial remarks by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, directed at Winnie Byanyima, the wife of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
The uproar stems from Byanyima’s recent radio interview, where she addressed her past relationship with President Museveni, which has become a focal point in Uganda’s political discourse.
In an interview with Uganda’s Next Gen Radio, Byanyima, a renowned aeronautical engineer, politician, and Executive Director of UNAIDS, acknowledged her past relationship with Museveni but dismissed its relevance to current political affairs. “Yes, a long time ago, I had a relationship with Museveni, but it has no relevance now. It was a normal relationship with President Museveni,” she stated.
Byanyima, who is married to Besigye, a leading opposition figure currently facing treason charges, emphasized that her past with Museveni should not be conflated with her husband’s ongoing legal battles. However, her comments sparked a heated debate on social media, with many users speculating that Museveni’s alleged vindictiveness toward Besigye stems from his past relationship with Byanyima.
The controversy took a dramatic turn when Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son, launched a scathing attack on Byanyima via social media. In a now-viral post, Muhoozi accused Byanyima of attempting to “wreck” his parents’ marriage, describing her as a “disaster of a woman.” He claimed that Byanyima was “kicked out” of the Museveni household in 1986, a statement that has drawn widespread criticism for its personal and culturally insensitive tone.
Muhoozi’s remarks have ignited a fierce backlash, with many Ugandans and social media users condemning his decision to publicly comment on his father’s past relationships. @JumaCJ, a prominent social media commentator, stated, “In African culture, you cannot discuss what your father does in darkness with your playmates during the day. Whoever sleeps with your father is your mother. Remember, your father cannot ‘unsleep’ himself out of the sleeping together.”
Similarly, @GODFREY_Kutesa remarked, “This reply wasn’t called for. A child has no business commenting on the ‘relationship’ of the father, however tempting it might be. In African culture, Ms. Byanyima qualifies to be your mother if indeed it’s true that she had a relationship with Mzee. This wasn’t called for, with all due respect.”
The public spat has further complicated Uganda’s already tense political landscape. Byanyima and Museveni’s relationship dates back to the 1980s when they were comrades during Uganda’s bush war against Milton Obote’s regime. Byanyima stood by Museveni’s side as he marched into Kampala in 1986 and assumed the presidency. However, their relationship ended when Museveni chose to remain with his wife, Janet, leading Byanyima to eventually marry Besigye in 1998.
Besigye, a former ally of Museveni, has since become one of his most vocal critics. He is currently facing treason charges, accused of plotting to overthrow Museveni’s government. The charges, which carry the death penalty, have drawn international attention, with many viewing them as politically motivated.
As the online debate rages on, the focus has shifted to the implications of Muhoozi’s outburst. Critics argue that his comments not only violate cultural norms but also risk further polarizing Uganda’s political environment. Meanwhile, Byanyima has maintained her stance, reiterating that her past with Museveni should remain a private matter, unrelated to the current political turmoil.
The unfolding drama underscores the deeply personal and contentious nature of Uganda’s political rivalries, with the past continuing to cast a long shadow over the present.
Follow Nyanza Daily for more updates on this developing story.
