Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), has traveled to Algeria for high-level military discussions, leaving behind a storm of controversy in Parliament. His visit, aimed at strengthening Uganda-Algeria defense cooperation, comes at a time when MPs and the public are outraged over his refusal to appear before Uganda’s Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs.

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who arrived in Algeria on Monday, held a meeting with the Algerian Chief of Staff and Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence, General Said Chanegriha. In a statement, UPDF said the visit is aimed at consolidating military cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and regional security efforts.

But in Uganda, his absence is raising eyebrows. The parliamentary committee had summoned Gen Muhoozi to answer questions regarding his controversial posts on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, in which he is accused of issuing provocative threats against opposition leaders, including the National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi and former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, currently being held in prison on treason charges.

Instead of appearing before Parliament, Gen Muhoozi dismissed the summons in its entirety and referred to the committee members as “clowns” on X. The move angered MPs, who accused him of undermining democratic accountability.

Strong-headed opposition MP and committee member Betty Nambooze attacked his actions, arguing that Uganda’s institutions have been hijacked by powerful figures.

“Muhoozi cannot appear before the ‘Parliamentary clowns,’ as he calls us—officially known as MPs. It’s the implication that Parliament has been captured, and he perfectly mirrors the impunity that characterizes these times,” Nambooze said.

She added that the manner in which the committee session was canceled is an indication of unregulated power at the executive level.

This is impunity at its peak. The government is shielding him, and this Parliament has no power to hold him accountable,” she added.

Nambooze went further to point accusing fingers at President Museveni, saying the ongoing crisis highlights deeper governance issues in Uganda. She argued that state institutions remain compromised, making accountability nearly impossible.

Despite the political tensions, UPDF remains focused on the Algeria trip, insisting that it will be beneficial to Uganda’s defense sector. Gen Muhoozi is accompanied by a team of high-ranking officers, including Maj Gen James Birungi, the Chief of Defense Intelligence, Maj Gen Bob Ogiki, and Maj Gen Keith Katungi. The delegation has already met top Algerian military officials, discussing joint training, security cooperation, and sharing military intelligence.

While the Algeria trip is being touted as a strategic diplomatic move by Gen Muhoozi, his continued refusal to present himself before Uganda’s Parliament has deepened the divisions at home. His critics see this as yet another sign of his growing political influence, with some saying it points to his potential ambitions beyond the military.

As Uganda waits with bated breath, the question remains: Will Parliament stand firm in demanding accountability, or will the defiance by Gen Muhoozi set a new precedent for Uganda’s political and military leadership?