In a series of
assertive statements, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the First Son and Chief of
Defence Forces in the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), has boldly
demanded $100 billion in compensation from the United States. He also called
for a formal apology and Uganda's reinstatement into the African Growth and
Opportunity Act (AGOA).
General
Kainerugaba emphasized that the $100 billion is the "minimum" owed by
the US for Uganda's military contributions in Somalia. He argued that Ugandan
troops, who have played a crucial role in counter-terrorism operations in
Somalia, have outperformed forces from other nations involved in international
conflicts, particularly drawing comparisons to the Ukrainian military.
"Fast and in
a hurry, they will pay every penny!" Kainerugaba declared, insisting on a
swift resolution to his demands. He also requested an invitation to visit the
US Army as part of the settlement.
The general
further criticized Uganda’s removal from AGOA, a US trade program that grants
preferential market access to African countries. He described the removal as
unjust and demanded that Uganda be immediately reinstated into the program. He
linked this trade exclusion to the broader issue of compensation, particularly
for the lives lost during Uganda's military operations in Somalia, which he
suggested were carried out under US directives.
These statements
mark a significant escalation in Uganda's diplomatic stance toward the United
States. While the US has not yet officially responded to Kainerugaba's demands,
his comments are likely to increase tensions between the two nations,
potentially affecting diplomatic relations and negotiations in the region.
As the situation
unfolds, global observers will closely monitor the US government's response to
these unprecedented demands and the potential impact on future relations
between Uganda and its international allies.