General: Ethiopia on Israel's Side, Offered to Conquer Tehran
In a series of posts on X, Kainerugaba wrote that Uganda stands “on the side of Israel,” adding that “Israel has a right to exist and attacks against her must stop.” He also called for an end to the war, saying the global community was growing weary of continued fighting in the Middle East.
Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, publicly expressed support for Israel as the war with Iran continues, signaling a rare and unusually direct statement from a senior African military official on the conflict.
In a series of posts on X, Kainerugaba wrote that Uganda stands “on the side of Israel,” adding that “Israel has a right to exist and attacks against her must stop.” He also called for an end to the war, saying the global community was growing weary of continued fighting in the Middle East.
In one post later deleted, Kainerugaba suggested that Uganda’s military could join the conflict if it does not end soon. He also said he had offered assistance from the Uganda People’s Defence Force to both Israel and the United States.
The remarks, while not an official government policy statement, drew attention due to Kainerugaba’s senior role and his close ties to Uganda’s leadership. He is the son of President Yoweri Museveni and is widely seen as an influential figure within the country’s political and military establishment.
Kainerugaba also made a series of controversial claims in his posts, including asserting that Ugandan forces could capture Tehran within days without the need for airstrikes. The comments were not accompanied by any official military assessment and have not been endorsed by Uganda’s government.
The statements come as Israel continues its military campaign against Iran, with regional tensions drawing in actors beyond the immediate conflict zone. While some countries have voiced support for Israel or Iran diplomatically, few have suggested potential military involvement.
Uganda has maintained relatively warm ties with Israel in recent years, including cooperation on security and technology. Last month, Kainerugaba announced plans to erect a monument at Entebbe International Airport honoring Lt. Col. Yonatan Netanyahu, who was killed during the 1976 operation to rescue hostages from a hijacked Air France flight.
That operation, often cited as a cornerstone of Israel-Uganda relations, marked a turning point in ties between the two countries. Israeli leaders have since highlighted the shift from the era of Uganda’s former dictator Idi Amin to its current leadership, which has sought closer engagement with Israel.
There has been no formal response from Israel or the United States to Kainerugaba’s latest remarks. Ugandan authorities have also not issued an official clarification regarding whether his statements reflect government policy.