Uganda army chief links Rwanda exile group to ex-spy chief's arrest
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba suggests Rwanda National Congress may be retaliating for Major General Abel Kandiho's September detention.
Uganda’s army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly linked the September arrest of former spy chief Major General Abel Kandiho to exiled Rwandan General Kayumba Nyamwasa’s Rwanda National Congress (RNC). The connection was made following the beheading of former Rwandan soldier Robert Kabera in Mpigi on October 17.
General Muhoozi posted on X that he suspects RNC elements retaliated for Kandiho’s arrest, stating, “We shall get to the truth.” This marks the first time a top UPDF commander has publicly connected Kandiho and Nyamwasa in the same security matter. Police investigations into Kabera’s murder are ongoing, with no suspects named.
Exiled General Nyamwasa, living in South Africa, responded to Muhoozi’s claims, issuing a challenge to a potential conflict. General Kandiho, formerly head of military intelligence, was arrested under unclear circumstances and has been accused by Kigali of arming dissidents, allegations Kampala has denied.
Why it mattersUganda's army chief has publicly accused a Rwandan exile group of involvement in a murder, potentially escalating regional security tensions.