By Aggrey Baba
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has fired back at South African politician Julius Malema, warning him against making reckless accusations against African leaders over the ongoing conflict in the DRC.
Taking to his X account, Muhoozi cautioned Malema against insulting regional leaders, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“My dear brother, Julius Malema should stop insulting our fathers and uncles. That is very dangerous for him and totally unnecessary. Instead, he should come and talk to us,” Muhoozi wrote.
He went on to defend Ramaphosa, calling him a respected statesman. “President Cyril Ramaphosa is a great man. Nobody should belittle him. We actually respect him a lot. He has Nkore cows! No one can mock him,” he added, referencing the prized Ankole cattle, a symbol of honor in Uganda.
However, Muhoozi did not hold back on criticizing South Africa’s military decision-making. “The South African deployment in DRC was wrong on so many levels. But our brothers in South Africa never consult us before they do their things,” he remarked.
His comments come in response to Malema’s explosive allegations that Kagame and Museveni are responsible for the deaths and capture of South African soldiers in the DRC.
Malema, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), accused Kagame of backing the M23 rebels, who he claims are responsible for attacking South African troops.
“It was Kagame who killed our soldiers,” Malema alleged. “The support he gave to the M23 and the way they acted in a disrespectful manner towards our soldiers shows this. Our troops are being held captive, and yet there is silence. Why should we treat Rwanda as if it is our friend?”
He further accused Rwanda of working with foreign powers to undermine the DRC. “They were even prepared to accept immigrants from London in exchange for money. They are collaborating with imperialists to destabilize the DRC,” he claimed.
Malema did not spare Ramaphosa either, attacking his leadership. “Our president is very weak, but at least he should act. We need to rise up against Rwanda and rescue our soldiers,” he declared.
The escalating war of words reflects rising tensions in the region as the DRC conflict continues to draw in multiple players.
South Africa’s military involvement has raised questions about its strategic interests, while Uganda and Rwanda remain key figures in regional security dynamics.
With emotions running high, whether diplomatic engagement will ease the situation or further escalation is inevitable remains uncertain. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
