Rwanda has issued a strong condemnation of Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, after he made ethnic references in online posts targeting businessman Odrek Rwabwogo and President Paul Kagame.
Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo described the remarks as “ethnic extremism,” stressing that Rwanda rejects divisive tribal narratives. She noted that Kigali has spent the past 32 years rebuilding unity after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and will not allow outsiders to drag the country back into ethnic politics.
Makolo emphasized that while individuals are free to hold opinions about Rwanda, they should not misrepresent Rwandans or associate the country with ethnic thinking.
“If the post was about Uganda, it should remain Ugandan and not drag us into it,” she said.
The rebuke followed Muhoozi’s public feud with Rwabwogo, who chairs Uganda’s Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID). In the dispute, Muhoozi questioned Rwabwogo’s ethnic identity and later described President Kagame as “the most dangerous Mututsi.”
“The most dangerous Mututsi I have ever met in life is President Kagame. When he laughs a lot, know that you are already dead,” he posted.
Kigali’s response underscores its sensitivity to rhetoric that threatens reconciliation, even as Muhoozi continues to accuse Rwabwogo of corruption — allegations that remain unproven in court.
Makolo reiterated that Rwanda’s national vision is anchored in unity, warning that ethnic provocations undermine decades of reconciliation efforts.
“We do not subscribe to ethnic extremism. Our national vision and efforts have been about uniting Rwandans, and we will continue to safeguard this fundamental political choice,” she said.
