General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Force and son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, declared that Uganda would back Israel in the ongoing conflict with Iran. His statements, made in a series of viral posts on the social media platform X, mark a significant public alignment with Israel during heightened tensions in the Middle East.
“We want the war in the Middle East to end now. The world is tired of it. But any talk of destroying or defeating Israel will bring us into the war. On the side of Israel!” Gen. Kainerugaba wrote, emphasizing Uganda’s readiness to engage alongside Israel should the conflict escalate.
Uganda’s Military Capacity and Regional Involvement
Uganda’s military comprises approximately 45,000 active personnel and 35,000 reserves, with capabilities including about 240 tanks and over 1,000 armored fighting vehicles. The Uganda People’s Defence Force is actively involved in regional security operations, combating Islamist militant groups such as al-Shabab in Somalia and the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This military strength and experience in counterterrorism efforts underscore Uganda’s potential role as an active supporter of Israel in wider regional or global conflicts.
Historical and Strategic Ties Between Uganda and Israel
Uganda and Israel share a longstanding, though complex, history. Israel has previously provided military training to Ugandan forces, including to Gen. Kainerugaba himself. The two countries maintain strong intelligence and security cooperation.
According to Kainerugaba, Israel supported Uganda during its early development phases in the 1980s and 1990s. “Israel stood with us when we were nobodies… Why wouldn’t we defend her now that our GDP is $100 billion?” he stated, referencing Uganda’s growing economy.
Their relationship dates back decades, including the 1976 Entebbe rescue mission where Israeli forces intervened in Uganda to free hostages from a hijacked Air France flight. Gen. Kainerugaba has announced plans to erect a statue commemorating the Israeli commander Lt. Col. Yonatan Netanyahu, who was killed during that operation, at Entebbe Airport.
Concerns Over Iran’s Regional Ambitions
While Iran does not have direct interests in Uganda, it has been accused of covert activities in neighboring East African nations, including Kenya and Tanzania. These activities reportedly involve smuggling networks and controversial diplomatic outreach. Uganda is reportedly cautious of Iran’s strategic intent to gain influence over key maritime routes in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea regions.
Kainerugaba’s public backing of Israel comes amid increasing global scrutiny of Iran’s regional maneuvers and ongoing conflict with Israel. Uganda’s explicit position signals a potential new dimension in the geopolitics of East Africa.
Why it matters
Uganda’s pledge to support Israel, voiced by a top military and political figure who is also the president’s son and presumed heir, could influence regional security dynamics. Uganda’s military capacity and active role in regional conflicts may have implications if it intervenes directly or indirectly in the Iran-Israel conflict. The declarations also highlight the broader international dimensions of the Middle East conflict and underscore the significance of African nations’ roles in geopolitical alliances.
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