Former Government spokesperson and Member of Parliament Ofwono Opondo has seemingly refused to bow to an ultimatum issued by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, declaring that he is prepared to face the consequences rather than apologise.
Opondo’s response follows Muhoozi’s reported seven-day deadline demanding that he apologise over remarks critical of the army chief and his growing political ambitions.
In a statement that appeared to signal defiance, Opondo declared that “the 7th day will find me at my burial ground,” a remark that has heightened political interest in the growing disagreement between the two figures.
The statement suggests that Opondo is unwilling to withdraw his criticism despite the pressure arising from Muhoozi’s ultimatum.
The disagreement reportedly centres on Opondo’s outspoken criticism of Muhoozi’s leadership ambitions, his involvement in political discussions while serving as a serving military officer, and growing endorsements of his possible presidential bid in 2031.
Opondo has reportedly questioned the wisdom of openly promoting Muhoozi as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s potential successor while Museveni remains in office.
He has also interpreted the early campaigns and endorsements surrounding Muhoozi’s 2031 ambitions as a vote of no confidence in Museveni’s leadership, raising questions about loyalty within the ruling establishment.
The controversy places renewed attention on the delicate relationship between the military, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and political succession debates in Uganda.
Muhoozi, who commands the UPDF, has increasingly attracted political attention through his public statements, social media activities and supporters who openly advocate for his eventual presidency.
However, his political ambitions have also generated debate over whether serving military officers should participate in partisan political activities and whether discussions about succession risk undermining the authority of the sitting President.
Opondo’s remarks are particularly significant given his longstanding association with the NRM government and his position within the ruling establishment.
His apparent refusal to apologise could therefore deepen the public disagreement surrounding Muhoozi’s growing influence and the political direction of the ruling party.With the seven-day deadline hanging over the controversy, attention is now shifting to whether Muhoozi will take further action against Opondo or whether the disagreement will eventually be resolved through political negotiations.
For now, Opondo’s response appears to communicate one message: he is not prepared to surrender his position simply because of an ultimatum.
