Uganda’s Leader of Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, has publicly pressed ICT and National Guidance Minister, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi to rein in Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba over his controversial social media conduct.
Speaking at the funeral of the late Kalangala District Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli in Namugoona, Ssenyonyi accused the minister of applying double standards frequently warning ordinary Ugandans against online insults while remaining silent when similar behavior comes from high-ranking officials.
“Leadership must be consistent,” Ssenyonyi said, questioning whether some individuals are effectively above the law in public communication.
He referenced a past instance where Baryomunsi advised Gen. Muhoozi to exercise restraint online, but noted the minister later stayed quiet even after being personally targeted.
In a pointed yet humorous jab, Ssenyonyi invoked Baryomunsi’s “Mukiga” identity often associated with outspokenness questioning his unusual silence.
“At one time I saw you guiding him, but when he started calling you names and you kept quiet, I thought the Mukiga in you would not keep quiet .” Joel Ssenyonyi sated.
The remarks have reignited a broader national debate on accountability and equal enforcement of standards in Uganda’s digital space, especially amid Gen. Muhoozi’s history of controversial posts that have drawn mixed public reactions.
Ssenyonyi’s comments now add pressure on authorities to clarify whether leadership discipline applies equally to all or if influence shields some from scrutiny.
